Commonwealth Numbered Acts

TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT 1975 No. 55 of 1975 - SECT 6

6. (1) The Commission shall perform its functions in such a manner as will
best meet the social, industrial and commercial needs of the Australian people
for telecommunications services and shall, so far as it is, in its opinion,
reasonably practicable to do so, make its telecommunications services
available throughout Australia for all people who reasonably require those
services.

(2) In performing its functions in accordance with sub-section (1), the
Commission-

   (a)  shall comply with any directions given to it under section 7; and

   (b)  shall have regard to-

        (i)    the desirability of improving and extending its
               telecommunications services in the light of developments in the
               field of communications;

        (ii)   the need to operate its services as efficiently and
               economically as practicable; and

        (iii)  the special needs for telecommunications services of Australian
               people who reside or carry on business outside the cities.

(3) Nothing in this section shall be taken-

   (a)  to prevent the Commission from interrupting, suspending or
        restricting, in the case of emergency, a service provided by it; or

   (b)  to impose on the Commission a duty that is enforceable by proceedings
        in a court.

(4) It is the duty of the Commission, in performing its functions, to comply
with the provisions of any Convention to the extent that it imposes
obligations on Australia in relation to matters within the functions of the
Commission.