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Consumer group CHOICE is calling on the Federal Government to establish an airline ombudsman that is funded by the industry as new research shows travellers are getting increasingly fed up with unresolved complaints. The latest data from CHOICE’s flight delays and cancellations tool, Complane.com.au, has found that Jetstar was the worst offender when it comes to…
Read More Airline complaints falling on deaf ears
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In its submission to the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry, CHOICE has called on the Commission to use its special powers to compel banks, insurers and lenders to provide evidence behind high fees and harmful practices. “CHOICE is calling for the Royal Commission to use its powers to…
Read More Call for banks to provide reasons behind harmful practices
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Republished from The Age, 19 January 2018 A five-year-old boy had his finger amputated after it was trapped in a trampoline, a 10-year-old girl hurt her back on a rail while playing a jumping game called “crack the egg”, and a three-year-old boy fell to the ground and fractured his leg. Those are among the…
Read More Consumer group Choice calls for mandatory safety standards for trampolines
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The Minister for Communications has directed the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to impose new rules that will force telcos to significantly improve the consumer experience in moving to the NBN. This is a great win for consumers. The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) has been calling for some time for these issues to be addressed and…
Read More New telco rules an early Christmas present for consumers
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Consumer Affairs Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) regulators have released guidance on the application of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) to the fundraising and other activities of charities, not-for-profits and fundraisers. Download A Guide to the Australian Consumer Law – For fundraising and other activities of charities, not-for-profits and fundraisers (pdf, 366.4 KB) CAANZ comprises senior…
Read More CAANZ releases guidance on the application of Australian Consumer Law to charities and fundraising
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The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) has welcomed the Government’s response to the Productivity Commission report into the existing Universal Service Obligation (USO). ACCAN are pleased that the Government’s response acknowledges that existing arrangements are out of date and in need of reform, and welcomes the Government’s commitment to provide universal access to voice and…
Read More ACCAN welcomes Government response to Universal Service Obligation
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Consumer group CHOICE is calling for improved labelling on alcoholic drinks to help people compare their beverage options. “For many people Christmas is a time to enjoy a festive drink but if they want to choose lower kilojoule tipples, right now they can’t easily compare their options” says CHOICE spokesperson, Katinka Day. “While consumers can…
Read More CHOICE calls for improved labelling on alcoholic drinks
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The following piece is an excerpt from a piece by Dr. Martin Gill, CFA’s representative on a number of Standards Australia Technical Committees on energy. Retailers should be required to provide sufficient information on bills (and tariff contracts) to ensure consumers can easily compare tariffs. It is also recommended a review be undertaken to determine…
Read More Dr Gill on Simplifying Tariff Comparisons
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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…
Read More Pack weight threat
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The Turnbull Government will legislate a national Consumer Data Right, allowing customers open access to their banking, energy, phone and internet transactions. Australians will be able to compare offers, get access to cheaper products and plans to help them ‘make the switch’ and get greater value for money. Assistant Minister for Cities and Digital Transformation Angus…
Read More Australians to own their own data
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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…
Read More ACCC Puts Clothing Retailers on Notice
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Energy Consumers Australia (ECA) and the Queensland Consumers Association (QCA) have welcomed the ACCC’s Preliminary Report for its Electricity Supply & Prices Inquiry. In his Preliminary Report, ACCC chairman Rod Sims has confirmed that the electricity market is not working as it should and not delivering good value for money outcomes for consumers. The QCA says this confirms what…
Read More Consumer Advocate Groups welcome ACCC’s Preliminary Report on retail electricity prices
