THE Federal Government is calling for submissions into the Review that will help prepare the consumer protections framework for the future telecommunications market.

The telecommunications landscape has changed significantly since the existing protections were put in place.

The discussion paper for Part A of the Review proposes recommendations and reforms to ensure that customers have access to effective redress and complaints handling mechanisms.

The proposals in the discussion paper build on the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s (ACMA’s) Complaints-Handling Standard by reinforcing the requirement for providers to have robust processes and systems for managing and escalating consumer complaints.

The paper also recommends the establishment of an independent external dispute resolution body for complex complaints that cannot be resolved directly between the customer and their provider.

Public consultation on this part of the Review will be open until 13 July 2018. Discussion papers for Part B covering reliability of services and Part C covering choice and fairness will be released for comment shortly.

The review will report to Government by the end of 2018.

www.communications.gov.au

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FOOD Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) today called for comment on a revised approach to cost recovery arrangements.

INCREASED COAL, LNG and mineral sales have helped Queensland post a record export result of $73.7 billion for the 12 months until the end of May, according to the latest trade data released by the State Government.

Queensland Resources Council chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the resources sector contributed almost $60 billion - or 80 percent - of the result.

“For every 10 dollars Queensland earns through exports, the resources sector contributes eight of those 10 dollars,” he said.

“This is a tribute to the more than 280,000 Queenslanders working directly and indirectly in the resources sector. To those men and women, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, in the regions and the south-east – please accept the congratulations on behalf of all Queenslanders.”

Over the last 12 months:

• Coal exports increased by $5 billion or 18% to $32.8 billion;
• Mineral exports increased by $634.2 million or 9.3% to $7.4 billion; and
• LNG, alumina and semi-soft coking metallurgical coal to $20.9 billion of exports classified as confidential. This category of exports increased by $3.8 billion or 22%.

Mr Macfarlane said Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk was correct to highlight the increase in coal exports was due to a recovery from the devastating impact of Tropical Cyclone Debbie in March and April 2017.

“What the Premier, the coal industry and Queenslanders do not know is how monopoly rail operator Aurizon will apply its threat to stop up to 20 million tonnes of coal reaching export ports in central Queensland. If Aurizon follows through with its threat, we estimate a $4 billion cut in coal exports,” he said.

Mr Macfarlane said the Palaszczuk Government last year set itself the target for Queensland to be the source of 22 percent of national exports annually until 2022.

“The latest trade figures put Queensland at 23 percent, ahead of its target. Without resources sector exports, Queensland would provide only 4.4 percent of the nation’s overseas trade. Without coal exports, it would be only 13 percent,” he said.

Link to Queensland Treasury trade data http://www.qgso.qld.gov.au/products/reports/exports-qld-goods-overseas/exports-qld-goods-overseas-201805.pdf

Link to the Premier’s statement on trade results http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2018/7/4/queensland-exports-continue-to-soar-to-new-heights

www.qrc.org.au

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THE Banking Royal Commission is currently investigating concerns about unethical conduct from finance companies, including funeral insurance companies, accused of targeting vulnerable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with unsuitable products.

This week, the Commission has heard from Aboriginal people in remote communities who have been sold funeral insurance policies which they did not understand and did not need.

Another non-Indigenous company with no Aboriginal affiliation used the rainbow serpent, which holds great importance for First Peoples, in its marketing to lure Aboriginal customers in.

According to consumer groups, some First Peoples have been paying for up to five funeral insurance policies for their families.

The Royal Commission is currently holding public hearings in Darwin, where they are shining the spotlight on these unscrupulous practices.

“Funerals hold great cultural importance for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and many peoples are concerned about how they will be able to afford funerals.” Jackie Huggins, National Congress co-chair, said.

“At the same time, we know that financial literacy is significantly lower among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples than the general population. This makes many First Peoples exceptionally vulnerable to predatory tactics from funeral insurance companies."

National Congress co-chair Rod Little said, “It is criminal that companies, including funeral insurance companies are taking advantage of any vulnerable person, especially Aboriginal peoples in regional and remote communities.

“This is a matter we have calling for action on for some time, however we feel we have been ignored by governments. It is commendable to see the Royal Commission finally drawing attention to this issue. However, we want to see this new evidence translated into affirmative action. This has gone on unaddressed long enough.”

National Congress is calling on governments and authorities to take urgent action to end the financial exploitation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by financial companies.

www.nationalcongress.com.au

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