Government takes next step in fight against scams

Joint Media Release from the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Minster for Communications; and the Hon Stephen Jones MP, Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services

MEDIA RELEASE | 30 November 2023

Today, the Albanese Government takes the next step in its commitment to fight scammers, announcing public consultation on proposed tough new, mandatory industry codes for the private sector.

The proposed Scams Code Framework is the next stage in the Government’s fight against the scourge of scams, which cost Australians over $3.1 billion last year.

Government, regulators, and industry have a mutual interest in making sure scams are identified and stopped before they can harm Australian consumers and businesses.

The proposed Framework would set clear roles and responsibilities across the scams ecosystem, with an initial focus on banks, telecommunications providers and digital platforms, to make Australia an even harder target for scammers.

The proposed Framework would introduce minimum, consistent obligations for all regulated businesses to prevent, detect, disrupt, and respond to scams. This would be complemented with sector-specific obligations that are tailored to the role of each sector.

Regulated businesses would be expected to have robust measures in place to address the risk of scams on their services. Strong penalties would apply if businesses fail to comply with their obligations.

The consultation paper released today seeks feedback on:

  • the design, structure and scope of the proposed Framework

  • proposed obligations for regulated businesses to prevent, detect, disrupt and respond to scams, including in the sector-specific codes

  • requirements for regulated businesses to develop and maintain an anti-scam strategy

  • improving reporting and information sharing arrangements

  • establishing clear complaints handling and dispute resolution pathways for consumers, including redress where applicable for consumers when regulated businesses have breached the code

  • the role of the regulators that will monitor and enforce the Framework.                                                                                            

The consultation paper can be found on the Treasury website. Individuals interested in participating in the consultation, but who do not wish to make a formal submission, can complete a five-minute survey available here.

Submissions to the consultation and the survey will close on 29 January 2024.

Sara Johnston