Accessibility - Consumers' Federation of Australia

4 December , 2019

Victorian Government’s class action changes promote corporate accountability

The Victorian Government’s proposed changes to class action rules should enable greater access to justice and promote corporate accountability, according to Consumer Action Law Centre. The Justice Legislation Miscellaneous Amendments Bill 2019, introduced to state parliament this week, will reduce barriers to class actions by allowing lawyers to receive a ‘contingency fee’, a fee that is calculated as…

15 November , 2019

First Nations Foundation launches word-first financial literacy program

First Nations Foundation (FNF) has launched the world’s first digital financial literacy education program to help First Nations people develop their financial knowledge. While the content of My Money Dream has been developed by Indigenous people for Indigenous people, FNF has added the might and scale of Australia’s largest industries by offering this to the…

27 August , 2019

Austroads invites responses to Motorised Mobility Devices Discussion Paper

Austroads, the peak organisation of Australian road transport and traffic agencies, has released a Discussion Paper on Motorised Mobility Devices (MMDs). The paper explores establishing a National Registration and Licencing Scheme and Technical Specification for MMDs, also known as powered wheelchairs or mobility scooters. The Austroads Discussion Paper AP-C107-19 makes a number of recommendations and…

23 August , 2019

Represent consumers at Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner

The Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner (VLSB+C) seeks expressions of interest to serve on its new Consumer Advisory Committee. The VLSB+C has formed the view that it needs a deeper understanding of the needs and concerns of consumers and potential consumers of legal services. To meet this objective, the VLSB+C is establishing a Consumer…

20 April , 2019

Public Transport Ombudsman releases 2019 Accessibility Bulletin

The bulletin looks at some of the accessibility challenges that Victorians face on public transport, and the ways in which we work to help make public transport better for everyone. The Accessibility Bulletin is the first in a series of three annual bulletins to be released this year. Later in 2019 we will publish bulletins…

2 April , 2019

Hardship protections a right not a privilege

A new Customer Hardship Policy Guideline released by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) today will bring greater clarity and consistency to the support retailers are required to provide to their customers and new penalties will apply where retailers fail to meet their obligations. “More Australian households are experiencing difficulty paying their bills. We are seeing rising levels…

25 March , 2019

Telcos warned about disability information failures

The Australian Communications Media Authority (ACMA) has formally warned Telstra, Optus and Vodafone for failing to provide information about products and services that may suit the needs of consumers with a disability. Telcos are required to provide this information under telecommunications consumer protection rules. ‘Telecommunications services play a vital role in the lives of all…

16 November , 2018

Assisting customers in financial difficulty

Banks have answered the call by customers in financial difficulty, but more will need to be done before 1 July 2019 to be ready for the ABA’s new and enhanced Code Australian banks have financial difficulty programs that, for the most part, meet the requirements under the 2013 Code of Banking Practice, according to inquiry…

29 August , 2018

Consumers International response to G20 digital ministers statement

Consumers International welcomes the G20’s continued recognition of the importance of consumer trust in securing the future growth of the digital economy and their support for developing effective online consumer protection and empowerment with a particular emphasis on disadvantaged and vulnerable consumers including children. The work of the G20 helps to raise awareness of new…

5 December , 2016

ACCAN: New Coalition formed to end the data drought

A group of like-minded advocacy groups have come together to end the data drought by forming the Regional, Rural and Remote Communications Coalition to champion better communications services for consumers and small businesses living in rural, remote or regional areas. The Coalition includes the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN), the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), the…

26 August , 2016

Standards Australia and Department of Finance combine to provide greater access to technology for Australians living with a disability.

Standards Australia in conjunction with the Department of Finance, Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) and other stakeholders, are pleased to announce Australia will be adopting an internationally aligned standard for ICT accessibility in procurement. Standards Australia CEO, Dr Bronwyn Evans, said that the new Australian Standard is to be used as guidance…