Six of Australia's largest telecommunications companies - Optus, TPG Telecom, Telstra, Aussie Broadband, Vocus Group, More, and Tangerine - have developed Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Action Plans led by the Telco Together Foundation (TTF), a collaborative industry body.

The six members cover 80% of Australia’s telecommunications network. The DFV action plans are the result of a two-year supportive process led by TTF, designed to improve the outcome for customers and employees impacted by DFV, with plans informed by The Domestic and Family Violence Action Framework it has developed.

The framework came out of extensive consultation with the Australian government, eSafety, Wesnet, Our Watch, industry organisations such as the Communications Alliance, Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) and frontline agencies including 1800 RESPECT. The DFV Action Framework allows all telcos to develop a plan that is right for the size, reach and impact of their organisation, informed by best practice in the industry and led by TTF.

"Telcos are often one of the first ports of call for people experiencing domestic and family violence (DFV). It’s essential that these people have access to services and appropriate privacy measures,” said Kristy Kelly, CEO, Telco Together Foundation.

Federal Communications Minister, Michelle Rowland MP, commended the initiative, stating, “We all have a role to play in addressing the scourge of family and domestic violence. It’s encouraging to see Australia’s telco industry taking transparent action to support vulnerable customers. I congratulate the Telco Together Foundation on their leadership and look forward to the positive outcomes these action plans will deliver for those in our community in need of support."

Australia's eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, also expressed her support. “It’s heartening to see more and more organisations step up to the challenge of addressing the scourge of domestic and family violence in the online and digital world. Our devices are powerful tools for both good and harm: they can be a lifeline to essential support networks and weapons for round-the-clock abuse."

Interim CEO and CFO at Optus, Michael Venter, as well as Vanessa Hicks, Group Executive People Experience at TPG Telecom, expressed their companies' commitment to supporting customers and employees affected by domestic and family violence.