Australia’s communications regulator has named protections for vulnerable consumers as a key focus for 2025–26, signalling tighter scrutiny of how telecommunications and digital services treat people at greater risk of harm.
In a statement announcing its regulatory priorities for the next financial year, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) said the emphasis on vulnerable consumers would guide its compliance and enforcement work across the sector.
The move underscores ongoing concerns about cost‑of‑living pressures, exposure to scams and fraud, and access to essential communications services for people experiencing hardship, living in remote or regional areas, or facing language, disability or age‑related barriers.
ACMA is responsible for enforcing consumer safeguards in telecommunications, as well as rules targeting spam, scams and unwanted communications. In recent years the regulator has used its powers to issue directions to comply, accept court‑enforceable undertakings and levy penalties for breaches of consumer protection and anti‑scam rules.
Further detail on the measures, and how the priority will be applied in practice, is expected when ACMA publishes its full 2025–26 compliance and enforcement programme. Industry and consumer groups will be watching closely for any new expectations on providers and clearer standards around identifying and supporting customers at risk.
