Steve Georganas (Hindmarsh, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today I rise to express my disappointment, along with that of many of my constituents who have contacted me over the last few days, with Optus and the Optus World Cup sports app, which has frustrated many across the country. Why is it that the people's game, the world game, is broadcast exclusively on a streaming network that can't deliver for customers and fans? That's the question that has been asked. As I said, we—not just me but also others in this place—have been inundated by constituents who are frustrated at not being able to watch games of the World Cup.

In 2014, there were 3.2 billion viewers worldwide watching World Cup games. Not only are all games not available on another network, customers who did sign up to Optus were charged around $15 for a streaming app that can't cope, with absolutely no redundancy. We don't see this happen in other codes, like AFL, for example. We see complimentary streaming services for other codes, not exclusive agreements to lock fans out, as is happening with this particular app at Optus.

I call on Optus to immediately refund customers for a service that hasn't worked as advertised. I ask Optus not to make people jump through hoops, but to do the right thing and refund constituents now. I've requested a meeting with the Optus chairman, Mr Paul O'Sullivan, next week to pass on the frustrations felt by many in the community and by many of my constituents. It's time to treat the world game and the football community with respect. Optus should admit that they got it wrong and refund and refund the fees ASAP.