It's in our best interest to understand the needs and aspirations of customers, as well as particular consumer groups. With this in mind, the Telstra Consumer Consultative Council (TCCC) aims to:

• Provide structured opportunities for consumer representatives to give input into Telstra's decisions
• provide networking opportunities for Telstra and consumer representatives to explore joint initiatives
• improve Telstra's knowledge and understanding of the interests and concerns of consumers and consumer groups
• improve consumers' knowledge and understanding of Telstra's activities and the environment in which it operates.

Making informed decisions

The information and advice gathered by the TCCC is used as an input into our decision-making processes. For consumer groups, it's a great avenue to make submissions and have a say in future Telstra policy.

It must be remembered that the TCCC is an advisory forum. It does not replace our decision-making process.

Consumer representation

TCCC member groups are responsible for representing the views of their constituents and providing them with regular reports and information on telecommunications issues.

TCCC members are also able to request research into communications issues they believe affect their constituents.

Membership of the Telstra Consumer Consultative Council (TCCC) is structured to represent the diversity of the Australian community. It aims to cover key national interest groups, social and population sectors.

2008 TCCC Consumer Membership

How are TCCC members selected?

The responsibility for electing consumer organisations for membership of the TCCC lies with the consumer members of the Council. Opportunities for participation are canvassed each year by the Consumer Secretariat within the sectors that are open for nomination.

Organisations nominating for membership must primarily promote the interests of residential/ home office consumers generally or specific sectors of consumers. The organisation must be non-party political, non-profit making and exist solely to benefit their constituents.

Consumer organisations and/ or their nominee normally sit on the TCCC for a maximum of four years, with one quarter of positions becoming vacant each year. This allows for continuity in the TCCC, while enabling a variety of organisations to participate in the Council.

The Consumer Co-chair is selected by the consumer members of the TCCC for a two-year term. This is a separate and dedicated position and does not represent any particular sector of the community, rather consumers in general.

Telstra can nominate up to six positions to represent Telstra on the TCCC, including a Telstra co-chair.

Council Resources

The TCCC has both a consumer and Telstra Secretariat. The Consumer Secretariat exists independently of Telstra and assists consumer members in networking, co-ordinating research and approaching Telstra.

The Telstra Secretariat is responsible for managing the resolution of issues, developing communication between TCCC members and appropriate areas in Telstra and co-ordinating reports, research papers and regular news updates.

Telstra provides associated travel and accommodation expenses for members travelling on TCCC business as well as a small resourcing grant to support participation on the Council.

If your national consumer organisation is interested in the TCCC, please contact us.