Consumers' Federation of Australia

17 July , 2019

Small Business and Agribusiness Advisory Panel: Request for Expressions of Interest

The Banking Code Compliance Committee (BCCC) commenced on 1 July 2019 with the primary purpose of monitoring banks’ compliance with the 2019 Banking Code of Practice. An important part of the BCCC’s role is to ensure that banks uphold the promises they make to their small business and agribusiness customers. To assist it fulfill its role, the…

17 July , 2019

National Hydrogen Strategy Issues papers – Consultation

The COAG Energy Council Working Group is consulting with industry and community to develop a national hydrogen strategy. Building on earlier engagement, the issues papers are seeking feedback on the potential role of policies and actions in realising hydrogen opportunities. Submissions close 28 July 2019. Issues papers and more details here. A list of the issues papers and a brief…

11 July , 2019

Consumer advocates welcome ASIC intervention in Short Term Credit Market

Financial Rights Legal Centre (Financial Rights), Consumer Action Law Centre (Consumer Action) and Financial Counselling Australia (FCA) have welcomed the Australian Securities and Investment Commission’s (ASIC’s) announcement that it will consult on using new Product Intervention Powers to intervene in the short term credit industry. The new product intervention power allows ASIC to intervene where…

11 July , 2019

Regulator slams ‘junk insurance’ sold by banks as Aussies demand over $2 million in refunds

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) report released today confirms that consumer credit insurance, commonly tacked on when taking out a loan or credit card, is junk. This news comes as Australians demand over $2 million worth of refunds after being ripped off by junk insurance through Consumer Action’s DemandARefund tool. ASIC’s report…

3 July , 2019

Telecommunications Consumer Protection Code Inadequately Protects Consumers: Consumer Groups

The revised Telecommunications Consumer Protection (TCP) Code fails to adequately protect telco consumers, according to consumer groups. Despite consultation with the telco industry and regulator, consumer groups including ACCAN, Consumer Action Law Centre, WEstjustice, Financial Counselling Australia, Financial and Consumer Rights Council, Financial Rights Legal Centre, Money Mob, and HK Training and Consultancy, consider that…

3 July , 2019

New Banking Code Compliance Committee open for business

From 1 July 2019, the new Banking Code Compliance Committee (BCCC) will monitor banks’ compliance with the 2019 Banking Code of Practice (the Code). The BCCC will work with banks and stakeholders to ensure that the high standards of service and other promises made to customers through the Code are embedded and adhered to by the 19…

3 July , 2019

Invitation for Community Directors Nominations

The Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON) is calling for nominations to be one of the five Community Directors on the EWON Board from November 2019. EWON is the independent dispute resolution scheme for NSW electricity and gas customers and some water customers. The Board is responsible for corporate governance, funding and strategy. Under EWON’s…

26 June , 2019

CFA side event at the Consumers International Congress in Portugal

The CFA sponsored side event on grocery unit pricing at the Consumers International Summit in Portugal on 29 April 2019 was very successful. CFA executive member Ian Jarratt gave a presentation on the history, benefits of, and problems with, the provision of unit pricing of pre-packaged grocery items around the world. Ian also provided a…

17 June , 2019

Unconscionable conduct: Divided High Court confirms need for change to the law

In its response to the High Court finding that a ‘book-up’ credit scheme operated in the remote Aboriginal community of Mintabie in the South Australian APY lands was not unconscionable, Consumer Action Law Centre (Consumer Action) says that Australia needs an economy-wide prohibition on unfair trading. “Unconscionable conduct is a complex legal term, and it…

13 June , 2019

Public comment invited on standard for demand response between remote agents and electrical products

Demand response aims to ensure stable energy during times of peak demand to avoid disruptive power outages. Standards Australia is inviting Public Comment for DR AS 4755.2:2019, Demand response capabilities and supporting technologies for electrical products, Part 2: Demand response framework and requirements for Communications between Remote Agents and Electrical Products. AS 4755.2 applies to electrical products…

12 June , 2019

Updated standard on toy safety protects children

Children can suffer a range of injuries from unsafe toys. Make sure you buy sturdy and well-made toys that can handle vigorous play by children. It is an offence to supply goods that do not comply with mandatory standards, read more here The newly published revised and redesignated toys standard specifies safety aspects related to the…

6 June , 2019

Opportunity to participate in a Standards Development Program (NEXTgen)

Applications now open for Standards Australia’s NEXTgen Contributors Program which selects emerging industry and technical experts and provides them with an exciting opportunity to become involved in the national and international standardisation processes supporting Australian industry and government. Do you know any emerging experts in your industry? Standards Australia are now accepting applications for the 2019/20 NEXTgen Contributors Program.…