Vulnerable Consumers - Consumers' Federation of Australia

23 August , 2019

Represent consumers at Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner

The Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner (VLSB+C) seeks expressions of interest to serve on its new Consumer Advisory Committee. The VLSB+C has formed the view that it needs a deeper understanding of the needs and concerns of consumers and potential consumers of legal services. To meet this objective, the VLSB+C is establishing a Consumer…

7 May , 2019

Telcos warned for not helping vulnerable consumers

Eleven telcos have been hit with formal warnings by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for failing to tell potential new customers that they do not provide Priority Assistance (PA) services, or failing to name a telco that does. The eleven telcos are Activ8me, Aussie Broadband, Dodo, Exetel, Foxtel, MyRepublic, Skymesh, Southern Phone, Spintel, TPG, and V4 Telecom.…

1 February , 2019

New consumer protection rules start

From today electricity consumers will have more choice, control and protection with the start of four new rules made by the AEMC. These rules: require retailers to provide at least five business days’ notice to customers before their energy prices change allow small customers to fix inaccurate estimated bills by providing their own reading of…

12 December , 2018

Codes of Practice and financial difficulty

Financial institutions who subscribe to a Code of Practice have obligations to consumers experiencing financial difficulty. The independent committees who monitor the Codes urge consumers to also be aware of these obligations. In 2018, financial difficulty was a particular focus of the committees, especially in the banking sphere where an inquiry found that customer requests…