The Australian Greens will move amendments intended to strengthen the rights of Telstra workers and end users, while protecting market diversity, as the Government begins the process of reversing the worst consequences of the privatisation of Telstra.

"This is a huge step in telecommunications reform. We need to make sure no-one is left behind," Greens Communications Spokesperson, Senator Scott Ludlam said.

"We have framed our amendments primarily to protect the interests of the people who will actually use the network: the Australian public, particularly those who risk being left on the wrong side of the digital divide," Senator Ludlam said.

Australian Greens amendments will ensure:

Customer service guarantees and protecting the bush
- Protection of the rights of end-users by broadening the definition of 'Standard Telephone Service' to include a wider array of telco services.
- Make compensation payments liable under the Customer Service Guarantee (CSG) automatic rather than relying on customers to apply. This will have greatest effect in rural and regional areas where services are often patchy.

Protecting Telstra workers
- Protection of the pay and entitlements of the Telstra workforce to ensure no-one is worse off after the adjustments to Telstra's structure.

Protection of small business
- Greater protection for smaller carriers to improve diversity of market participants and ensure a level playing field in the sector.
"We will also ensure that there is an Independent review of amendments to the Trade Practices Act after three years to examine whether the access regime is functioning appropriately.

"The Government should support our amendments," Senator Scott Ludlam said.

Media contact - Fernando de Freitas on 0415 174 302