Shadow communications minister has ‘serious questions about ACMA’s ability to do the job’

Tim Burrowes

October 17, 2025 9:31

Shadow communications minister has ‘serious questions about ACMA’s ability to do the job’

Melissa McIntosh: ACMA needs to win back her confidence

The shadow communications minister Melissa McIntosh has questioned whether Australia’s media regulator is fit for purpose.

At a press conference to address the Optus meltdown which saw at least four people die after being unable to contact the Triple Zero network, McIntosh suggested that the Australian Communications and Media Authority should be barred from running the investigation, given that it was involved in the disaster.

The Liberal politician went further, saying that ACMA does not currently have her confidence.

In response to a question from Mumbrella about whether ACMA retains her confidence, McIntosh said: “I question that ACMA should be responsible for the investigation in their part in the failed process, and whether it’s really going to be transparent.

Be a member to keep reading

Join Mumbrella Pro to access the Mumbrella archive and read our premium analysis of everything under the media and marketing umbrella.

Become a member

Tim Burrowes

Tim Burrowes is the publisher of Mumbrella and Unmade. He co-founded Mumbrella in 2008 and sister title Unmade in 2021. He's worked in the UK, Middle East, Asia & Australia and has specialised in writing about the communications world for the last 25 years. He wrote the book Media Unmade, published in 2021, and became the presenter of MediaLand on ABC Radio National in 2025.