Compensation applications now open for Telstra business customers

Telstra’s Chief Executive Officer David Thodey today announced the streamlined process for business customers impacted by the Warrnambool exchange fire was now open to receive claims.  

In Warrnambool today to see the restoration progress and talk with community leaders, Mr Thodey said he was extremely proud of the staff who had worked tirelessly around the clock to restore services to customers.

“We have close to 100 people working shifts around the clock, some who have travelled long distances to get here and help out, and it has been a truly remarkable effort,” Mr Thodey said.  

“The team has effectively re-built core parts of the exchange and other infrastructure, doing in two weeks what would normally take many months.  

“All of Telstra is focused on getting things back to normal as soon as possible and I thank the people of south western Victoria for their patience.  

“I am also pleased to announce today the compensation claim process for business customers is open.”  

Business customers can download a claim form from www.telstra.com.au/exchangefire from today or call 1800 008 979 from 8am to 8pm AEDST to have the claim form posted to them or to get advice on ways to make the claim.  

Mr Thodey said the local Telstra team had also been hand delivering forms to businesses in the region.  

“We have simplified and streamlined the process to make it as easy as possible for our customers to claim for losses once they are ready,” Mr Thodey said.

The compensation claim process for business customers will have two components.

• Claims $1000 or less – customers will not be required to provide supporting business documentation, however they will be asked to confirm they have suffered the loss claimed, via a statutory declaration and release form.
• Claims in excess of $1000 – will require supporting documentation and a release.

Telstra is also crediting fixed phone and ADSL broadband customers impacted by the fire with one month’s line rental. Telstra will also ensure that any customer who has used their mobile service as their primary phone or data service while their fixed line was unavailable for calls or data will not incur additional standard* usage charges above their included plan allowance.

*excludes Premium SMS, Int’l calls, etc