ACMA Unveils 2026–27 Compliance Priorities to Strengthen Consumer Protection
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has announced its compliance and enforcement priorities for the 2026–27 financial year, placing consumer protection at the centre of its regulatory agenda.
The regulator said its priorities focus on areas where stronger industry compliance is needed to reduce risks to Australians and improve the safety and reliability of communications services.
Among the key focus areas are tackling branded SMS scams, ensuring reliable access to the Triple Zero emergency service, enforcing mobile phone equipment standards, strengthening protections for telecommunications customers experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence, and overseeing the implementation of gambling advertising reforms.
ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin said Australians increasingly depend on communications services in their daily lives and expect providers to deliver safe, reliable and accessible services.
She said the regulator would continue taking enforcement action where telecommunications companies fail to meet their legal obligations, particularly in matters affecting public safety, scam prevention and support for vulnerable customers.
In addition to its annual priorities, the ACMA will continue its long-term compliance work aimed at preventing gambling-related harm, combating spam and telecommunications scams, and protecting vulnerable telecommunications customers.
The 2026–27 priorities were developed following a public consultation process that invited feedback from stakeholders. The ACMA has also published its Outcomes: Compliance Priorities 2025–26 report, outlining the regulator’s actions and achievements over the past year.
According to the ACMA, the annual priorities complement its ongoing monitoring, compliance and enforcement responsibilities across Australia’s communications and media sectors.
Source: Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) Media Release.
