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The February edition of Consumer Connection has been released, linking you to the latest consumer information and tips for your community from the Queensland Office of Fair Trading. In this edition: $8.5 million in redress for Queensland consumers Fuel price reporting trial helps Queensland drivers compare local servos Stronger protection for car and caravan owners introduced…
Read More Consumer Connection February 2019
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A new set of principles, guidelines and checklists cover the key areas that must be taken into account to create a trusted consumer Internet of Things service or product: security; privacy; transparency; supporting vulnerable consumers; customer support and complaint handling; and environment. Consumer IoT Trust by Design 2019 Guidelines and Checklistswas designed in collaboration with…
Read More Trusted consumer Internet of Things service or product
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Consumers are increasingly aware of plastic and other litter damaging our water systems and environment. There are also many products that have the potential to cause significant problems to the environment once in the wastewater system. CFA has a representative on the Standards Australia Technical Committee WS-041 which is drafting a new standard on flushable products to make it…
Read More Wastewater and caring for the environment
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In 2015 the UN set an ambitious plan to address some of the pressing issues faced by the world. The Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, and peace and justice.…
Read More Sustainable development goals to tackle global challenges
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Australians’ ever-increasing appetite for data-hungry video services is transforming the communications landscape. This is a key finding of the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s Communications report 2017–18, tabled in federal parliament today. The annual ACMA report examines the current telecommunication and media environment, including the latest in industry innovations and consumer trends. ‘Over 50 per…
Read More Changes to communications landscape accelerating
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The Coalition Government has agreed to take action on all 76 recommendations contained in the Royal Commission’s Final Report and, in a number of important areas, is going further, including conducting an immediate review of financial counselling services. In his Final Report, Commissioner Hayne observed, “The desirability of predictable and stable funding for the legal…
Read More Going further with a financial counselling review
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The future of a federal regulation that requires large supermarkets to provide the unit price (price per unit of measure – such as per 100g and per litre) on shelf labels, etc. for packaged grocery items is being reviewed by the Federal Government. The review includes a short online consumer survey which can be accessed…
Read More Still time to have your say on unit pricing
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PIAC’s Energy + Water Consumer Advocacy Program (EWCAP) has welcomed the New South Wales Government’s commitment to provide no-interest loans for households to access solar and batteries, announced on Sunday. ‘This program will provide welcome relief for people struggling with the cost of living. Making finance available for up to 300,000 households with income below…
Read More No interest loan plan puts roof-top solar within reach of struggling households
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New home owners in NSW will be better protected after the NSW Government announced strong plans to improve the building and construction industry. Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said the plan, which includes appointing a Building Commissioner, has been months in the making, after the Building Ministers’ Forum (BMF) commissioned an independent report into…
Read More Biggest overhaul of building laws in NSW history
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A new affordable home broadband product for financially stressed Australians on low incomes should be a key priority for political parties ahead of the 2019 Federal election, according to consumer organisation ACCAN. Australia’s peak body representing telecommunications consumers, ACCAN, is urging the nation’s political parties to consider a proposal for a wholesale broadband concession that…
Read More No Australian Left Offline
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The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) receives complaints from consumers whose mobile numbers have been stolen by a fraudulent third party. Their new publication, Systemic Spotlight, explores the issue and how the TIO has worked with service providers to improve security and protect consumers. The publication highlights how the systemic investigation power allows The TIO to…
Read More Reducing fraudsters’ theft of mobile numbers
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The Andrews Labor Government is urging Victorians who are moving to be vigilant when hiring a furniture removal company, following a jump in the number of reports about removal and freight services. Moving house is one of life’s more stressful tasks – made all the more painful if your valued furniture and possessions are damaged,…
Read More Know Your Rights When Moving House