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International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) has compiled a list of standards to support global efforts in dealing with the COVID 19 crisis. Available standards include protective gloves, lung ventilators and other medical devices, and risk management guidelines. They are freely available in read-only format here.
Read More ISO standards relevant to COVID-19 made free to access
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Scammers are now trying to exploit Australians financially impacted by the COVID-19 crisis with new superannuation scams being reported to Scamwatch in recent weeks. Scammers are already trying to take advantage of the Government’s recent announcement that people suffering financial hardship can have partial access to their superannuation from mid-April. “Scammers are cold-calling people claiming…
Read More Scammers targeting superannuation in COVID-19 crisis
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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…
Read More Telco financial hardship policies critical during COVID-19
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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…
Read More Banking Code Compliance Committee response to bank and customer COVID-19 challenges
A purple block with white writing inside that says: COronavirus (COVID-19) information from the NDIS quality and safeguards commission
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…
Read More Information for NDIS participants on the impact of COVID-19 on NDIS services
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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…
Read More “Penalties for not taking up private health cover must be suspended”: CHOICE
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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…
Read More Fair Trading issues price gouging warning during COVID-19
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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…
Read More ACCC response to COVID-19 pandemic
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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,…
Read More Government must act to address broadband affordability as unemployment predicted to rise: ACCAN A purple block with white writing inside that says: COronavirus (COVID-19) information from the NDIS quality and safeguards commission
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…
Read More NDIS Commission releases coronavirus (COVID-19) information for participants and providers
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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…
Read More CHOICE calls on sellers and online platforms to put an end to price gouging
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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…
Read More Supermarkets to work together to ensure grocery supply