Communications - Consumers' Federation of Australia

29 November , 2019

ACMA recommends immediate action to combat scams

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has released its Combating Scams report which recommends new enforceable obligations on telcos and the immediate commencement of trials for a number of scam reduction initiatives. The trials aims to reduce common phone scams such as malicious ‘spoofing’, where scammers disguise their number to make it look like…

27 November , 2019

Consumer representatives report back

Consumer representatives nominated or supported by CFA have written a short report on their activities over the past year. All consumer representatives, whether or not nominated by CFA or representing CFA, are accountable to the consumers whose interests they represent. They have a duty to stay informed about consumers’ interests and how the body to…

19 November , 2019

Lifting the cyber security of the Internet of Things

The Australian Government is seeking community and industry input on a voluntary Code of Practice to improve the security of the Internet of Things for consumers in Australia, including the security of everyday smart devices that connect to the internet; such as smart TVs, watches and home speakers. With over 64 billion devices expected to…

30 October , 2019

TIO reports increase in phone and internet complaints

Residential consumers and small businesses made 32,801 complaints in the first quarter of 2020 (1 July 2019 to 30 September 2019). In this period complaints about phone and internet services increased 6.3 per cent compared to the same period in 2018. This data was highlighted in the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman’s Quarter One 2020 Complaints report…

15 October , 2019

Affordability of basic NBN products to be examined

The ACCC will consider whether Australians are able to access basic broadband plans at fair and affordable prices, as part of an inquiry into NBN wholesale charges launched on Monday. The inquiry will examine wholesale prices paid by retail service providers (RSPs), which use the NBN to supply residential-grade broadband services. The ACCC’s inquiry will…

11 October , 2019

Invitation to Consumer Data Right workshop

Consumer Data Standards would like to invite two members of CFA to attend a Consumer Experience workshop on the topic of consumer control. Focus of the workshop This workshop will generate ideas and directions for how to provide more control to Consumer Data Right (CDR) consumers. Consumer Data Standards are asking participants to prepare presentations…

30 September , 2019

Representative opportunity: Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman Consumer Panel

The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) is establishing a Consumer Panel to provide it with diverse consumer perspectives about phone and internet services, and its complaint handling. Expressions of interest are sought for appointment to the Panel from community organisations and individuals that can draw on views and experiences from a diverse range of consumer…

25 September , 2019

Representative opportunity: Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman Board

The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman seeks to appoint a director with consumer experience to its Board. The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman scheme (TIO) provides an independent dispute resolution service for telephone and internet complaints. The TIO scheme is managed by the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman Limited which is a public company limited by guarantee, with an Ombudsman and…

16 September , 2019

Consumer Connections Magazine out now

Tasmania’s building and consumer regulator, Consumer, Building and Occupational Services, has released Edition 2 of its Consumer Connections Magazine. As well as providing advice specific to Tasmanians applying for building approvals and lodging complaints against service providers, the magazine includes great tips for all consumers. Safety in the home, how to choose a suitable NBN…

13 September , 2019

Review finds customer loyalty schemes need transparency and fairness

The ACCC has released its Customer loyalty schemes draft report for public comment. The report outlines the ACCC’s draft findings and recommendations following research and targeted consultation earlier this year. The review focussed on competition and consumer issues arising from customer loyalty schemes. There are two major findings covered in the draft report that are…

5 August , 2019

Investigation finds telemarketers pressuring consumers to sign up to NBN

Threats of being disconnected from phone and internet services, loss of phone numbers, and inaccurate information about NBN plans are issues highlighted in the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman’s latest report: “Misleading telemarketing of NBN services” published Thursday 1 August, 2019. Between January and December 2018, residential consumers and small businesses made 1,729 complaints to the Telecommunications…

5 August , 2019 0 comments

Call for nominations for the ACCAN Board

ACCAN is seeking nominations for Directors to fill three (3) vacancies on its Board. In accordance with the ACCAN Constitution, the 2019-2020 ACCAN Board will consist of nine (9) members1. Six (6) positions are continuing Directors from the 2018-2019 Board. Three (3) Directors are retiring from the Board but may be eligible for re-election as…