TelSoc Online Event: Carol Bennett, CEO of ACCAN
Promoting Consumer Welfare: ACCAN’s Priorities for 2026

Tuesday, 10 February 2026 – from 12.30 pm AEST

TelSoc has pleasure in announcing its first online event for the year, to be held on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, from 12.30 p.m. 

We were fortunate to have Carol Bennett present early in 2025 on ACCAN’s perspective on the Universal Service Scheme and how it should benefit consumers of telecommunications services in Australia.  At the time we asked Carol to come back in 2026 and provide TelSoc members and colleagues with a briefing on ACCAN’s broader agenda and priorities.

Carol’s presentation will reflect on where we are now and where we need to be in a fast-evolving communications world.  It will explore the solutions that need to be in place to ensure we deliver the most accessible, affordable and available communications and digital services for all Australians.  In the past year ACCAN has taken very public positions in relation to NBN Co’s capital expenditure priorities and the related promotion of higher speed broadband services; on spectrum pricing; on direct regulation versus self-regulation in the sector; and on many other issues.  We have asked Carol to provide us with insights into ACCAN’s thinking on these issues.

As with all TelSoc lunchtime events, Carol’s presentation will be followed by a Q&A session in which TelSoc members and industry colleagues will be able to raise questions and issues.  Past experience suggests that these sessions can be incredibly interesting and informative.  Given Carol’s substantial and diverse experience, her presentation and participation in the Q&A will be well worth your time.

About Carol Bennett, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN), BASc, MPP, MAICD

Carol is widely respected as a highly effective leader of major national organisations in Australia with a 20-year history as CEO of peak national bodies.  During this time, she has driven organisational growth and achieved real outcomes through strategic partnerships with government, business and community groups.  She is a change maker who has delivered reforms across health, aged care, gambling and currently communications policy.  Carol has also extended her network internationally as a member of boards with a focus on working to improve outcomes for consumers.

Carol has developed an enviable national network in media, business, and government and outstanding expertise in strategic decision-making, communications, advocacy, stakeholder management, financial performance, collaboration building, government relations and corporate governance.

Please join us and Carol Bennett on 10 February 2026. 

Registration process:

1. Click on the website TelSoc Online Event: Carol Bennett, CEO of ACCAN | Telsoc. Click the “Book a Seat” button and click on “Book” in the pop-up window.
2. You will be asked to login (if you are not already).  If you are a TelSoc member, login in and your booking will be confirmed.  You will receive a confirmatory email.
3. If you are not a current financial member, you will be invited to join by creating a new account.  Please consider doing so.  The objectives of TelSoc and benefits of joining are set out elsewhere on the website. at Membership | Telsoc.
4. If you are not a financial member and do not wish to join right now, or if you are having any difficulty registering, please send your name and email contact to jim.holmes@telsoc.org and he will register you manually – provided he hears from you before 5 pm on 9 February 2026.