Everyday Consumer - Consumers' Federation of Australia

6 January , 2022

Mayfair 101 Group to pay $30 million penalty for misleading advertising

The Federal Court has ordered four companies in the Mayfair 101 Group to pay a combined penalty of $30 million for misleading advertising. This is a media release from the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC). It was originally published on 22nd December, 2021. In March 2021, the Court found Mayfair Wealth Partners Pty Ltd and Online Investments Pty…

6 January , 2022

Price gouging: COVID-19 rapid antigen test prices soar

Need to know Rapid antigen tests are being sold at inflated prices by some retailers The ACCC is investigating the price gouging Advocates say stronger price-gouging protections are needed for consumers This is a media release from CHOICE. It was originally published on 5th January, 2022. It was only a few weeks ago that COVID-19 rapid antigen tests (RATs)…

20 December , 2021

FAO publishes reports on consumer organizations and the Right to Adequate Food

Prepared by CFA Executive Member Ian Jarratt, of Queensland Consumers Association. He can be reached at ijarratt@australiamail.com. Recently, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) published two reports, aimed to support, and showcase the work of Consumer Organizations around the globe on The Right to Adequate Food. The reports are: Consumer Organizations and the Right to…

20 December , 2021

New safety standard for portable non-aerosol fire extinguishers

A new mandatory safety standard for portable non-aerosol fire extinguishers, published today, will improve existing performance and identification requirements, to reduce the risk of a fire extinguisher not operating correctly during a fire. This is a media release from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC). It was originally published on 20th December, 2021. The new standard, issued…

17 December , 2021

Productivity Commission’s Final Report on “Right To Repair” Released

Prepared by CFA Executive Member Ian Jarratt, of Queensland Consumers Association. He can be reached at ijarratt@australiamail.com. The final report was handed to the Australian Government on 29 October 2021 and publicly released on 1 December 2021. The Government has not yet announced its response to the report. CFA and several member organisations participated in the…

17 December , 2021

Medical practitioners’ use of the title surgeon under the National Law

Victoria is leading a national consultation on behalf of all Australian Health Ministers on the use of the title surgeon by medical practitioners under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (National Law). This is a duplication of contact from the Department of Health. It was received on 13th December, 2021. Health ministers are concerned that the regulatory framework…

17 December , 2021

Energy sector remains focused on transition and affordability

Affordable energy and transition to a decarbonised energy system in ways that put customers at the centre, have been identified by the Energy Charter as critical ongoing commitments in 2022, following a new report released today. This is a media release from The Energy Charter. It was originally published on 15th December, 2021. Energy Charter Full Signatories, made up of…

17 December , 2021

Strengthening protections for consumers and small businesses

The Morrison Government is consulting on ways to strengthen the consumer guarantee and supplier indemnification provisions under the Australian Consumer Law. This is a media release from The Hon Michael Sukkar MP. It was originally published on 14th December, 2021. The consultation paper released today includes options for civil prohibitions and penalties for suppliers that fail to provide…

9 December , 2021

Tougher consumer protections at core of payments reform welcomed

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg’s announcement today that the Government intends to reform Australia’s payment systems is a real opportunity to improve consumer protection, according to Consumer Action Law Centre. This is a media release from the Consumer Action Law Centre. It was originally published on 8th December, 2021. “Today’s announcement foreshadows consultation on regulatory arrangements for Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL)…

6 December , 2021

Supporting business through improvements to mandatory standards regulation under Australia Consumer Law – Feedback invited

The Treasury has released the Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (CRIS): Supporting business through improvements to mandatory standards regulation under the Australian Consumer Law. The CRIS considers options to improve the regulatory framework for mandatory standards under the Australian Consumer Law with a focus on minimising compliance costs for business while maintaining consumer protections. Treasury is seeking feedback on…

22 November , 2021

ACCC’s product safety pledge improves consumer safety online

Over 90 per cent of identified unsafe product listings were removed within two business days by online businesses signed up to the Australian Product Safety Pledge. This is a media release from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC). It was originally published on 19th November, 2021. The voluntary initiative commits signatories to 12 product safety actions, that go…

8 November , 2021

‘Stop scams. Speak up’ – Scams Awareness Week 2021

More than 350 partners across government, private and community organisations have joined the fight against scams in this year’s national Scams Awareness Week (8-12 November) under the theme “let’s talk scams”. This is a media release from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC). It was originally published on 8th November, 2021. “The more we talk about scams, the more awareness we…