The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman is establishing a Telco Accessibility Task Force to remove the barriers to effective dispute resolution in the telecommunications industry and improve the industry’s ability to address consumer issues.
We are calling for expressions of interest to join the Task Force from cross-sector leaders and decision-makers at telecommunications providers, consumer groups, relevant government agencies, academic and thought leadership hubs and affected civil society contributors. The Task Force will drive and deliver meaningful improvements in the accessibility of the telco industry.
The Telco Accessibility Task Force Terms of Reference outline how the panel will work.
This Task Force is an opportunity for telcos and consumer groups that can represent a diverse range of industry and consumer perspectives to come together, talk, and take action towards improving trust and confidence in the telco sector. If you feel your contribution and perspective will benefit the work of the Telco Accessibility Task Force, we encourage you to submit an expression of interest.
What are we looking for in a Task Force member?
The Telco Accessibility Task Force will consist of up to 15 members who collectively explore and deliver meaningful improvements in the accessibility of the telecommunications industry, with a particular focus on complaints processes.
We are looking for leaders and decision-makers that can contribute to a diversity of telco, individual consumer and small business consumer views, with well-established channels in their own networks for communication and feedback.
It is intended that the Task Force represent a diverse range of perspectives, minority groups and special interests, including but not limited to:
- Telecommunications service providers
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers
- consumers living in rural, regional and remote areas
- consumers with disabilities
- culturally and linguistically diverse consumers
- older consumers
- small business consumers
- vulnerable and disadvantaged consumers
- young consumers.
The Task Force will be chaired by the Ombudsman.
The selection criteria for appointment of panel members are set out in clause 9 of the Telco Accessibility Task Force Terms of Reference.
When are expressions of interest due?
Expressions of interest are due by close of business Friday 23 August 2024.
Task Force applications will be considered during September, with the inaugural meeting intended to take place mid-September 2024. Applicants will be advised when the date is confirmed.
How to submit your expression of interest
Please email your application to telcoaccessibilitytf@tio.com.au outlining:
- how your unique contribution and perspective will benefit the work of the Task Force
- how you meet each of the selection criteria in Clause 9 of the Telco Accessibility Task Force Terms of Reference
- the name and contact details of two referees.
If you have any questions, please email telcoaccessibilitytf@tio.com.au with your query.
Please feel free to pass this on to other organisations or individuals who may be interested in this opportunity.
Any questions can be directed to telcoaccessibilitytf@tio.com.au.
Above is content from the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman, the original web page is available here.
Making sure the diverse consumer voice is heard is an important part of the Consumers’ Federation of Australia’s work, from our Standards Project to finding and selecting consumer representatives to various boards and committees. We encourage anyone interested to apply.