Standards Project News - Consumers' Federation of Australia

8 August , 2022

Pram and stroller safety essentials

The recommended pram and stroller safety essentials are the AS/NZS 2088 label on the item, a sturdy frame, a five-point harness and a tether strap, according to the Australian Parenting website. Standards Australia recently published the revised AS 2088:2022 Prams and strollers – Safety requirements which provides manufacturers, authorities, and others with minimum safety requirements for prams and…

20 July , 2022

Why do I need goggles when skiing or snowboarding?

A good pair of goggles while skiing or snowboarding affects your performance as well as your safety. The goggles you choose should not only look good but should have safety features. Standards Australia recently released AS/NZS 18527.1:2022 Eye and face protection for sports use Part 1: Requirements for downhill skiing and snowboarding goggles which adopts ISO 18527 1:2021 with…

20 July , 2022

Battery storage for households – Public comment invited on draft standard

With rising energy prices, home battery storage offers savings to consumers and an alternate to fossil fuels, read more here. Standards Australia has released a draft standard for public comment which will ensure consumers are provided with the information to meaningfully compare different battery manufacturers claims (and technologies). It defines standard testing protocols revealing the performance…

1 July , 2022

Adverse Effects of Outdoor Lighting – Draft open for public comment

Artificial outdoor light is essential in our modern society; however poorly designed, directed and maintained lighting can cause problems. Light pollution is bad for us and for wildlife, so what can we do, read more here. Standards Australia has released a draft revised standard for Public Comment: AS/NZS 4282 Control of obtrusive effects for outdoor lighting which aims to…

28 June , 2022

Businesses on notice as mandatory button battery laws commence

Businesses which supply button batteries or products powered by them must now comply with mandatory button battery safety and information standards taking effect from today or face serious penalties, the ACCC warns. This is a media release from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission. It was originally published on 22nd June, 2022. “These world-first standards are a critical…

16 June , 2022

New vulnerable consumers standard ensures everyone gets a fair deal

Have you ever tried switching bank accounts online, only to end up feeling confused by the technology? Any situation in which an individual may be unable to engage fully or effectively in a market is considered consumer vulnerability read more here and watch the video. Protecting the most vulnerable people in society falls not just to government but…

14 June , 2022

World Elder Abuse Day – 15 June 2022

Elder abuse can take various forms, including – financial, physical, psychological, emotional and sexual abuse, or neglect. No older person should be subjected to any form of abuse, read more here. World Elder Abuse Day raises awareness of elder abuse and informs older Australians of the supports available to them, find out more in Guiding action on elder…

10 June , 2022

Standard for responding to vulnerability

The new ISO Standard ISO 22458 Consumer vulnerability – Requirements and guidelines for the design and delivery of inclusive service was developed by the international committee ISO/PC 311 Vulnerable consumers. This was written by Alistair Tegart, Former Engagement Manager at Standards Australia and published by SOCAP. Standards Australia’s committee CS-311 Vulnerable consumers worked on Australian input to the…

10 June , 2022

Standards Australia NEXTgen program – Applications open

NEXTgen is a cost free 10-month professional development program designed to upskill your CV, increase your standards knowledge and make important industry connections. Participants will gain a detailed understanding into the world of standards – how they’re made, what impact they have, and most importantly, how to become involved in their development. If you have approx.…

20 May , 2022

CFA Seeks a Consumer Representative for the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Consumer and Public Health Dialogue (CPHD)

FSANZ is a statutory authority operating under the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991. FSANZ develops standards that regulate the use of ingredients, processing aids, colourings, additives, vitamins and minerals. The Food Standards Code also covers the composition of some foods, such as dairy, meat and beverages as well as foods developed by new…

17 May , 2022

Complaint’s handling standard a good outcome for consumers

Everybody has the right to complain which provides organisations with valuable feedback about what users dislike about a product or service. The revised Australian Standard guides organisations to manage their own complaints and enables consistency in the effective treatment of complaints, particularly in a global marketplace. Organizations should adopt a people-focused and proactive approach to…

16 May , 2022

National Volunteer Week 2022 “Better together”

Volunteering brings people together; it builds communities and creates a better society for everyone. National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering and a chance for all of us to celebrate and recognise the vital work of volunteers, find out more here. Consumers’ Federation of Australia (CFA) depends on the volunteers who represent CFA…