Powers and functions of Austel under the Telecommunications Act 1991

The functions and powers given to the Australian Telecommunication Authority (Austel) by the Telecommunications Act 1991 (the Act) are outlined. The functions, powers and directives are stated in the broad context of the Act, and two specific functions, the promotion of competition and consumer protection, are analyzed in more depth. In order to place these functions and powers in the wider legal context, the legal and administrative appeal procedures from an Austel determination pursuant to its powers and the principles of administrative law with apply are discussed