Everyday Consumer - 3/55 - Consumers' Federation of Australia

24 January , 2018

Consumer Action Law Centre: Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Finance Sector, part 1

Consumer Action Law Centre has published part 1 of its initial submission to the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Finance Sector today. The submission draws on the experience of the Centre assisting Victorians through legal advice and representation, and financial counselling. The submission identifies various kinds of misconduct by financial services,…

22 January , 2018

Mobile photography business enters into enforceable undertaking over alleged ACL breach

A Queensland Office of Fair Trading (QOFT) investigation has seen a Gold Coast business enter into an enforceable undertaking for alleged breaches of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). Between 1 July 2015 and 31 October 2017, Imagine That Photography Pty Ltd, a mobile photography business trading from major shopping centres around Australia, entered into agreements…

18 December , 2017

Consumer Tips: Buy Gift Cards Carefully and Use Them Early

Many of us will buy and receive gift cards this festive season and the Queensland Consumers Association advises buyers to check that the terms and conditions are fair and not likely to be unduly restrictive for the receiver, and recipients to consider using them soon after receipt. Association spokesperson, Ian Jarratt, says many people think…

12 December , 2017

Avoiding surcharges for card payments

To avoid being slugged with excessive charges for paying by card during the busy Christmas and holiday shopping period, consumers should be aware of the national restrictions on surcharging by businesses for payments made by debit, credit or prepaid cards, and lookout for businesses that may not be complying. The Queensland Consumers Association’s spokesperson, Ian…

4 December , 2017

Time for a Reboot for the troubled Telco sector

Consumer rights in telecommunications, including mobile and broadband services, are so parlous that thousands of people are being left without access to essential services or meaningful redress when their suppliers fail them, according to consumer advocates. A group of leading consumer advocates today pointed to staggering complaint levels, unfair sales tactics, and disappointing responses to…

29 November , 2017

Pack weight threat

Research from consumer group CHOICE has found 92% of people believe it is important that the weight measurement remains on the front of food products. The finding comes as the Federal Government’s National Measurement Institute has today released a policy statement which appears to prioritise trade over transparency. “Labels are for consumers not solely to…

20 November , 2017

Food and Grocery Bills Slashed by Unit Pricing

New research by the Queensland Consumers Association (QCA) shows shoppers can make big savings on food and grocery bills by taking account of the unit prices (price per unit of measure – for example $ per 100g) on supermarket shelf labels and other price signs. QCA spokesperson, Ian Jarratt, says the research showed that on…

18 November , 2017

ACCC Puts Clothing Retailers on Notice

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has found some retailers may be misleading consumers about their rights under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) after reviewing the online policies of several large Australian clothing retailers. “This year the ACCC has received over 750 complaints regarding consumer guarantees for clothing purchases. We are reviewing the policies…

14 November , 2017

Palm Island residents say no to dodgy door-to-door traders

Palm Island officially became a Do Not Knock informed community today (14 November 2017) with the unveiling of new high profile signage at a community event. The Do Not Knock program aims to deter unscrupulous door-to-door traders with prominent signage reminding travelling salespeople of their responsibilities and obligations when trading door-to-door. Residents are also offered…

13 November , 2017

The Sharing Economy: Know Your Rights, Know the Rules

There’s a good chance you’ve heard of platforms like Uber and Airbnb. These platforms and many others are part of the sharing economy. While sharing economy platforms can provide a new and convenient experience for purchasing and hiring goods or services, questions around consumer and trader protection often come with the new territory. If you…

11 November , 2017

Call for Action on Added Sugar Labelling

Consumer group CHOICE, with the support of the Australian Dental Association, has launched a national campaign encouraging consumers to demand Health Ministers across the country to include added sugar labelling on food packs. Health Ministers are due to meet in late November to discuss possible labelling reforms after delaying a decision for six years. “Ministers across Australia…

2 November , 2017

Standards, Ageing Societies and the Silver Economy

Recently Standards Australia and the Australian Government – Department of Industry, Innovation and Science presented at the APEC Sub-Committee on Standards and Conformance (SCSC) on the APEC Silver Economy Workshop and Recommendations Report APEC SCSC endorsed all four key recommendations: Recommendation One – APEC should accelerate and mainstream efforts in supporting ageing societies. Recommendation Two…