Optus admits it exploited vulnerable consumers through disturbing sales practices

Australia’s peak communications consumer body, ACCAN, has welcomed news that Optus will pay one of the largest consumer law penalties in Australian history – a $100 million fine, subject to court approval, for unconscionable conduct. ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett said, “Unconscionable conduct is a high bar and one that Optus has spectacularly surpassed in its behaviour preying on some of our most vulnerable communities and consumers, including Indigenous communities. We thank the ACCC for acting on behalf of those who were exploited by this appalling behaviour.” Optus has admitted to the unconscionable conduct, committed to remediation and compensation, and has made a number of undertakings regarding internal processes. The ACCC has provided