From 1h agoKey events1h agoSix children rescued after police bust alleged network of child abusers1h ago’Poor old Philip Lowe’: Jane Hume says RBA governor should be reappointed3h agoGood morning3h agoWelcomeFilters BETAKey events (4)Australia (6)ABC RN (5)David Littleproud (3)15m ago19.32 EDT
Telcos’ responsibilities to offer hardship assistance to be enforced with new rules
The federal government is bringing telcos’ social responsibilities close to requirements of energy companies – they will have to offer financial hardship assistance to customers so they do not lose access to work, education and other critical services.
The communications minister, Michelle Rowland, has directed the Australian Communications and Media Authority to introduce enforceable standards for telcos by the start of next year, AAP reports.
Just two-thirds of telco customers experiencing financial difficulties were aware they could contact their provider for help.
More than one in 10 Australians have issues paying their telco bills, but just 0.03% of residential customers were in financial hardship programs.
Rowland said:
Given the current cost-of-living pressures that many Australians are facing, it’s important we have clear and enforceable rules so telcos give appropriate support to consumers doing it tough.
Updated at 19.43 EDT29m ago19.18 EDT
Minister tells Indigenous Australians to ‘stay strong’ after research reveals staggering workplace discrimination and harassment
The assistant Indigenous Australians minister, Malarndirri McCarthy, has urged Australia “stay strong” as damning research reveals the staggering rates of workplace discrimination Indigenous people experience, AAP reports.
The latest data from Diversity Council Australia shows 59% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees faced discrimination or harassment in the workplace this year.
“I would say to all Australians, but in particular First Nations people, you stay strong,” McCarthy told ABC TV this morning. Her words come off the back of the inflamed debate around the voice referendum:
We are going to get through this, it will be a much better Australia and I am confident … that ordinary Australians can see through all of the rubbish that’s being said that hurts and discriminates against people.
Updated at 19.22 EDT38m ago19.08 EDTBenita Kolovos
Victorian Coalition calls for suburban rail loop funds to be reallocated to airport rail project
The Victorian opposition today are calling on the state government to pause works on its pet project – the suburban rail loop.
Sound familiar?
That’s because shelving the project was one of their key election promises at the November election. At the time, they called for the $9.6n in state funds allocated to the first stage of 90km underground railway – between Cheltenham and Box Hill – to be reallocated to the health system.
This time, they’re calling for the same cash to be reinvested into the delivery of the much-awaited…
2023-07-05 18:32:01
Link from www.theguardian.com
rnrn