Everyday Consumer - Consumers' Federation of Australia

2 April , 2020

Telco financial hardship policies critical during COVID-19

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is reminding consumers that there are options available if they are experiencing financial distress and struggling to pay their telco bills. ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin said that telcos have financial hardship programs available to support Australian consumers facing difficulties. “Telecommunication services are playing a critical role in keeping Australians connected…

2 April , 2020

Banking Code Compliance Committee response to bank and customer COVID-19 challenges

The Banking Code Compliance Committee (BCCC) recognises that both Code subscribing banks and their customers are facing unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The BCCC welcomes the various initiatives announced by the ABA to assist customers to meet these challenges. It believes that these measures will contribute to the fair treatment of customers. Customers…

1 April , 2020

Information for NDIS participants on the impact of COVID-19 on NDIS services

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has a dedicated webpage for NDIS participants about COVID-19. The webpage includes information about: The impact of COVID-19 on NDIS plans Which support services and therapies will continue during the close of non-essential services Using webchat to talk with NDIA staff Who to contact if your NDIS contact is unavailable View…

31 March , 2020

“Penalties for not taking up private health cover must be suspended”: CHOICE

Consumer advocate says Lifetime Health Cover Loading should be suspended in light of COVID-19 financial pressures Consumer advocate CHOICE is calling on the Federal Government to suspend consumer penalties for not taking up private health insurance in light of the COVID-19 crisis. The advocacy group says the Government should add an extra 365 days to…

31 March , 2020

Fair Trading issues price gouging warning during COVID-19

The Queensland Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is warning traders to treat consumers fairly and avoid price gouging as shortages of some products continue as a result of COVID-19 panic buying. Fair Trading Executive Director Brian Bauer said the OFT would consider all complaints made about price gouging or profiteering and investigate serious allegations where…

30 March , 2020

ACCC response to COVID-19 pandemic

The ACCC is highly conscious of the impact COVID-19 is having on Australian consumers and businesses, and has adjusted the focus of its regulatory activities accordingly. Most businesses are facing severe disruption, particularly small businesses, and the future is uncertain for many. The ACCC will factor these circumstances into its consideration of competition matters in…

27 March , 2020

Government must act to address broadband affordability as unemployment predicted to rise: ACCAN

The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) has urged the Federal Government to prioritise a specific stimulus strategy for telecommunications services to keep Australians connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continuing social distancing and self-isolation efforts have resulted in millions of Australians increasingly relying on their home broadband service. As Australia’s peak body representing telecommunications consumers,…

26 March , 2020

NDIS Commission releases coronavirus (COVID-19) information for participants and providers

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has produced a COVID-19 information page that contains links to updates, training, alerts and resources for NDIS participants and providers. The information is to inform and support NDIS providers to continue to deliver quality and safe supports and services to NDIS participants. The page contains the following information: Updates…

25 March , 2020

CHOICE calls on sellers and online platofrms to put an end to price gouging

Price gouging during the coronavirus crisis has been rampant. We’re calling on sellers big and small as well as online platforms to cease and desist. CHOICE article. Last updated 20 March 2020. It may surprise you to learn that price gouging – jacking up prices for essential goods when supplies are low – is technically…

24 March , 2020

Supermarkets to work together to ensure grocery supply

Supermarket operators will be able to coordinate immediately to ensure consumers have reliable and fair access to groceries during the COVID-19 pandemic following the ACCC’s granting of interim authorisation. The interim authorisation will allow supermarkets to coordinate with each other when working with manufacturers, suppliers, and transport and logistics providers. The purpose of this is…

23 March , 2020

Energy companies’ response to COVID-19 must be rapid, coordinated and ambitious to protect consumers

Commenting after the COAG Energy Council meeting on Friday, Energy Consumers Australia CEO Lynne Gallagher welcomed the call for the energy sector to implement measures to relieve pressures on energy consumers. “It is critical the energy sector moves rapidly and in a coordinated way to implement measures to ensure all households and small businesses…

20 March , 2020

Warning on COVID-19 scams

Australians should be aware scammers are adapting existing technology to play on people’s fears around coronavirus and selling products claiming to prevent or cure the virus. Since 1 January 2020, the ACCC’s Scamwatch has received 94 reports of scams about coronavirus, but warns figures are starting to climb. Scamwatch has received multiple reports of phishing scams…