Dear Confused

Q: Hello Dorothy,

I'm a bit confused, can you clarify the roles of both the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)

A: Dear Confused

To start with it is important to understand that both the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission along with the Australian Communications and Media Authority, are nothing more then glorified bureaucratic hobby farms for equally bored and over paid public servants on the verge of retirement who have nothing better to do with their time than to potter around and annoy the neighbours. 

In my opinion ACMA is very good at micro-managing the small target, community broadcasting sector while avoiding the major media organisations (see, for example the "slap on the wrist" treatment of 'cash for comment' as opposed to the 'ton of bricks' that fall on even the most minor transgressions of the community broadcasters).

 

The ACCC, on the other hand is the public service "Koala" - the original protected species that has a record of underachievement in addressing issues of unreasonable pricing, below-standard goods and services, and banking fees and charges. 

Sadly, with the departure of Prof. Allen Fels, the race to the bottom began in earnest! I understand the ACCC's mission statement now reads "our hands are tied"! 

I know my view of these two Government Funded organisations may sound a tad harsh, however we must bear in mind ACMA and ACCC were initially established with meaning and purpose - namely that of looking after the best interest of the Australian public -. Sadly, this is a task in which they have come to fail dismally and repeatedly. Perhaps consideration needs to be given to their current form and relevance on the Australian consumer landscape... Does the expression 'grow a pair mean anything'?

Dorothy.