Standards

A receipt for grocery items. In the background are grocery items A receipt for grocery items. In the background are grocery items

In the latest edition of the ISO Consumer Update, Consumers International says consumer advocacy has a vital role to play in guiding, advising and informing consumers to ensure they can access a fair and affordable market for essential products and services. The Update also refers to a recent guest blog on CI’s website about: How…

Read More ISO standard on unit pricing relevant to consumers affected by the COVID-19 economic crisis

windmills in the distance on a field of grass windmills in the distance on a field of grass

Consumers are more aware of environmental issues than ever before and feeling anxious about the state of the planet. There are many opportunities to contribute to global projects working on improving the environment. You can help find out how much plastic pollution there is globally by uploading images of pollution when you see it –…

Read More What can I do about improving the environment?

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Congratulations to Elaine Attwood AM as the joint winner of the ISO Simon Holland Award 2020, which is aligned with the ISO Excellence Award. It recognises her outstanding contribution to the work of ISO/TC 229 Nanotechnology in the previous year and acknowledges the input and support Elaine offered to the ISO/TC 229 community and her…

Read More CFA Standards representative Elaine Attwood AM receives international award

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During this challenging time standards ensure that we can work from home safely and efficiently. Standards Australia developed these standards via technical committees whose members come from a range of stakeholders including Consumers’ Federation of Australia (CFA). Can you speak up for consumers as part of the CFA Standards Project to ensure that new standards…

Read More Standards and working from home

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Do you want to make a difference? Do you want to ensure products and services include consumer protection? Consumers’ Federation of Australia (CFA) is calling for expressions of interest for volunteer consumer representative positions on the following  Standards Australia Technical Committees, as part of the CFA Standards Project.  Consumers are a key stakeholder group in the…

Read More Call for consumer representatives on Standards Australia Technical Committees – playground equipment and sports and recreational equipment

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Ladders are used in most households for a range of jobs from DIY to changing lightbulbs; however, if the ladder is not in good condition or is used unsafely, falls can occur and cause fractured limbs, spinal cord damage, severe brain injury or death.  Standards Australia has just published a revised standard AS 1895.2:2020 Portable ladders which provides minimum requirements…

Read More Safe ladder use and Australian Standards

A padlock in front of a screen full of computer code A padlock in front of a screen full of computer code

Working from home has specific cyber security risks, including targeted cybercrime. The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has tips when working from home. Consumer groups are pushing for stronger cybersecurity responses from governments, internet providers and manufacturers, with clear and actionable guidance for consumers. Standards Australia has joined with AustCyber, industry leaders and the NSW…

Read More Working from home and cybercrime – how safe is my information?

Two children riding bicyles on a path in the woods Two children riding bicyles on a path in the woods

Protection given by a helmet for recreational activities goes a long way in preventing serious head injuries. The recently published third edition of the Australian/New Zealand standard AS/NZS 2063:2020 Helmets for use on bicycles and wheeled recreational devices addresses these concerns. The objective of the updated Australian/New Zealand standard is to provide lightweight helmets that…

Read More Why you should use a helmet when skateboarding or cycling

A close-up image of a green electric circuit board A close-up image of a green electric circuit board

The extensive growth in Artificial Intelligence (AI) programs by the world’s most advanced economies has highlighted the need to effectively use the standards process to promote, develop and realise the opportunities of responsible AI, delivering business growth, improving services and protecting consumers. Standards Australia has released the Artificial Intelligence Standards Roadmap: Making Australia’s Voice Heard. This comprehensive…

Read More Artificial intelligence – Standards Australia roadmap

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Even when you think you know what you are doing, never attempt to do your own electrical work — it’s dangerous, illegal and can be fatal.  Compliance with standards in the electrical sector is a key element of safety in the community and industry. Consumers’ Federation of Australia has a representative on the Standards Australia Technical Committee EL-001 Wiring…

Read More Doing some DIY – beware electrical work

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UNCTAD held its first UNCTAD / ISO COPOLCO/ Consumers International joint webinar on Using standards as a tool for consumer protection. This webinar brought together standards experts and consumer agencies’ representatives to inform both communities about the work of COPOLCO and the standards it promotes – read the notes on the webinar here. Consumers’ Federation of Australia (CFA) has two representatives on the Standards…

Read More Using standards as a tool for consumer protection