Optus is the latest telco to run foul of consumer law in Australia.

Consumer watchdog, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has accused Optus for allegedly selling products to vulnerable customers they did not want or need, and then chasing them for debts. 

Most of the impacted consumers were Indigenous people living in regional, remote and very remote parts of the Northern Territory.

Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb says many consumers experienced financial harm, incurring thousands of dollars of debt and experienced trauma such as shame, fear, and emotional distress about the debts or being pursued by debt collectors.

She spoke to NIRS this week about the nature of the breaches.

Other Highlights:

• An investigation by consumer advocacy group, Choice, found essential groceries costs doubled in remote communities compared to capital cities.
• Applications for the AMA's Indigenous Medical Scholarship are now open. Indigenous students are encouraged to apply.
• The Work Exposure in Government Program brought together 55 students to Parliament House to provide hands-on experience and exposure to job opportunities.
• The Federal Government has unveiled a First Nations Visitor Economy Partnership that will give Indigenous-owned businesses access to greater economic opportunities.

This week's episode is presented by Adam Evans.