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Battery waste is a growing problem in Australia; in 2014 it was estimated that Australia was generating 17,500 tonnes of waste in batteries, or 700 million batteries based on an equivalent battery unit. 97% of all batteries were being inappropriately disposed of in landfill and impacting on the environment. It is proposed that an industry-led…
Read More Proposed battery recycling scheme to combat waste
The dashboard of a car, both of the front airbags have deployed
The ACCC is warning Australian consumers about a new safety risk in using certain vehicles fitted with a different type of faulty Takata airbag. These airbags, which are fitted with a NADI 5-AT propellant, are not captured under the existing compulsory recall of Takata airbags. There is a serious safety risk that these NADI airbags…
Read More Consumers warned of new airbag safety risk
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This is a guest post by Product Safety Solutions. In a first for product safety, a new documentary exposes the story of how everyday household products can present unacceptable hazards. Episode 3 of the new US Netflix ‘docuseries’, Broken, titled Deadly Dressers, examines furniture tip-overs that have killed and injured young children. It chronicles how changes to…
Read More Netflix documentary shows how cheap furnture is killing children
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Consumer regulators have today released a report on their collaborative efforts in administering the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) over the last twelve months. The report shines a light on some of the key policy, education and enforcement activities undertaken by the members of Consumer Affairs Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) during the 2018-19 financial year,…
Read More Australian Consumer Law collaboration benefits consumers
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CFA has made a submission to the Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement Improving the Effectiveness of the Consumer Product Safety System led by the Commonwealth Treasury. Read CFA’s submission Have your say
Read More CFA makes submission to the Consumer Product Safety System Review
A blow-up swimming ring in a pool
Being around water is part of everyday Australian life, however drowning is one of the major causes of unintentional death for Australian children. In 2017/18, 18 Australian children aged 0-4 years drowned. The majority of these incidents occurred in backyard swimming pools. Pool and spa barriers can be effective in reducing the risk of drowning…
Read More Standard on safety barriers for swimming pools is open for public comment
Two cords plugged into a wall socket
There are thousands of products available in Australia, with each being produced by multiple brands. To ensure that these products work safely, the Australian product safety system relies on the cooperation of consumers, suppliers, and government agencies. More information here. The Commonwealth Treasury is undertaking a consultation on Improving the Effectiveness of the Consumer Product Safety System by…
Read More Seeking views from consumers on their experiences relating to product safety
Two people on a quad bike
The ACCC has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to improve the safety of quad bikes by introducing a new safety standard. The decision was announced by Assistant Treasurer the Hon Michael Sukkar today. The safety standard has three elements: improved information for potential purchasers, enhanced quad bike stability, and rollover protection to reduce injuries and…
Read More ACCC welcomes new quad bike safety standard
A view of the steering wheel of a car from behind the driver
Major car manufacturers, including BMW, GM Holden, Honda, Mitsubishi and Toyota, are warning that 20,000 vehicles already under recall for defective Takata airbags are now classified as “critical”. The ACCC is urging consumers not to drive these cars at all until the airbag has been replaced. “Cars with airbags listed as ‘critical’ should not be…
Read More Urgent safety alert for ‘critical’ Takata airbags
Two pharmacists serving a customer at the store counter
Consumers Federation of Australia provides consumer representatives to Standards Australia Technical Committees as part of the CFA Standards Project. An opportunity exists to represent consumers on a Standards Australia Technical Committee which will be revising the quality and performance of tampons in the current Australian standard. Tampons are required to comply with Therapeutic Goods (Standards for Tampons) (TGO 103) Order 2019 before…
Read More Can you represent consumers on a Standards Australia Technical Committee on tampons?
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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…
Read More Consumer Connections Magazine out now
A nursing chair and a baby's cot in a nursery
An analysis of CHOICE test data has found key products designed for children still pose a risk as doctors, industry, experts and parents converged on Canberra on Wednesday to demand action. The data shows: Portable cots (60 tested from 2011–2018*): 98% or 59 failed. Strollers (163 tested from 2012–2019): 83% or 136 failed. Cots (173…
Read More Parents demand Canberra act on unsafe products