Telstra encouraged to structurally separate under important telecommunications reforms
On 15 September 2009, the Federal Government released the Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Competition and Consumer Safeguards) Bill 2009 (the Bill), which proposes important changes to Australian telecommunications regulation. The Bill will be the subject of considerable debate over several months and may require the support of all independents in the Senate.
Competition Quarterly Update - August 2009
Tribunal grants Telstra exemption from access obligations - 28 August 2009
Mallesons Stephen Jaques has assisted Telstra in winning regulatory rollback from the Australian Competition Tribunal (Tribunal).
ACCC proposes more roll back of access regulation - 16 September 2008
On 5 September 2008, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) released its draft decision exempting Telstra from its obligation to supply the Public Switched Telephone Network Originating Access in 15 CBD and 248 metropolitan exchange service areas.
ACCC grants Telstra exemption from access obligations - 28 August 2008
Mallesons Stephen Jaques has assisted Telstra winning significant regulatory rollback from the ACCC.
Major privacy reforms proposed by ALRC - 11 August 2008
The Australian Law Reform Commission has today recommended major changes to privacy laws, affecting all private sector entities. Within 12 to 18 months, the Federal Government will replace the National Privacy Principles, changing how organisations can collect and use personal information. Special requirements will apply to health and credit information, with enhancements to the scope of credit reporting.
ACCC draft decision to grant Telstra exemption applications - 30 April 2008
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has made a draft decision to exempt Telstra from its obligation to supply the wholesale line rental service (WLR) and local carriage service (LCS) within 229 exchange service areas (ESAs) in metropolitan Australia.
Key media ownership reforms passed - 18 October 2006
On 18 October 2006, the Australian Parliament passed the three key pieces of legislation that make up the Governments media reform package. The Government stated that the new regime would allow Australia to prepare for and respond to a media environment that faces dramatic change in the availability of communication platforms. The legislation will become law once Royal Assent is given (expected shortly). The media ownership changes will take effect on a date to be proclaimed some time in 2007.
Government announces new media framework - 13 July 2006
On 13 July 2006 Senator Helen Coonan, the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, announced a new media framework for Australia. This follows four months of consultation with industry and other stakeholders since the announcement of the Government’s proposals for media reform in March this year.
Government releases media reform proposals - 16 March 2006
On 14 March 2006 Senator Helen Coonan, the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, announced the Government’s long awaited proposals for media reform. The proposals have the potential to significantly affect the way the media industry is structured and operates in Australia. However, most of them were anticipated and it may be some time yet before any legislative changes take effect.
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