Shadow Assistant Treasurer Andrew Leigh lends support to Keep Me Posted campaign for paper bills and statements to be issued to Australians without financial penalties

The consumer campaign advocates "every Australian's right to choose, free of charge, how they receive important financial information".

About 60 people attended the forum at the Belconnen library on Friday.

"ACT residents should be entitled to choose printed communications without risking a penalty from their corporate service providers," Mr Leigh said.

Mr Leigh said "numerous banks, telecommunication companies and other service providers are pressuring their customers to accept electronic bills and statements, even though many Canberra residents find it difficult or impossible to access their papers online"

"Keep Me Posted is challenging corporations to remove 'pay-to-pay' penalties for Australians who prefer paper communications," he said.

"The practice of charging a fee for paper bills is excluding many in Canberra's community that don't use, or don't have access to the Internet in their homes. We know that these fees are disproportionately hitting those who can least afford it and are particularly unfair on our elderly community members and vulnerable Australians to be charged with extra fees that can easily stretch to hundreds of dollars a year.

"ACT residents should be entitled to choose printed communications without risking a penalty from their corporate service providers."

Canberra residents who support the campaign are being urged to write to their local and federal political representatives.