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Population ageing is one of the major forces shaping Australia’s future as Australians are living longer although with increased vulnerability to health and wellbeing risks. Populations are ageing at a rapid pace across the OECD member countries, however they are not ageing as well as they could. This will have large consequences for health and…

Read More Responding to the challenges of population ageing in Australia

Shared Vision For A Better World Standards for SDGs World Standards Day 14 October IEC, ISO, ITU

Shared vision for a better world: Spotlight on the UN Sustainable Development Goal 17 Partnerships for the goals World Standards Day is celebrated every year on the 14 October and offers the opportunity to increase understanding of the importance of standardization.  Most of us are not aware of how standards work or why we need them.…

Read More World Standards Day 14 October 2025

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A new set of nationally endorsed Principles of Good Hardship Practice has been released, setting a best-practice guide for how organisations should support people experiencing financial difficulty. Developed by the financial counselling sector, the ten core principles focus on respectful communication, early intervention, and fair, compassionate support for people in hardship. “Too often, people in financial hardship…

Read More Financial Counsellors Publish New Hardship Best-Practice Guide for Organisations

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The Consumer Policy Research Centre (CPRC), with funding from Energy Consumers Australia, has recently released a report (Misused and Confused: Why information on large appliances falls short) on the practices around the sale of large appliances; specifically focusing on what Australian consumers are looking for (“reliable, affordable products with clear information on repair options, efficiency,…

Read More Misused and Confused – Report Highlights Need for Information and Transparency

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Helmets can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries in case of falls or collisions. Most Australian ski resorts recommend wearing helmets and make them mandatory for children and participants in terrain parks or racing. The intention of helmets is to reduce the risk of injury to the skull and part of the head surrounded…

Read More Helmets for Skiers and Skateboarders – Standard Open for Public comment

News

The Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA) has recently unveiled its Finance Industry Code of Practice – the first of its kind for Australia’s non-bank lending and specialist banking sector – setting a new benchmark for integrity, transparency and fairness across the industry. The Code reflects AFIA members’ commitment to protecting customers, strengthening trust and ensuring…

Read More AFIA Publishes New Code of Practice

Green Action Week 2025

Green Action Week is a global campaign that promotes sustainable consumption through the power of community. Every October, groups around the world come together to share knowledge, resources, skills, and spaces – taking action to reduce waste, live more sustainably and build stronger, more resilient communities. The theme is a Sharing Community, a celebration of creative, practical…

Read More Green Action Week 2025 – Sustainable Consumption

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The federal government is conducting another consultation on the proposed design and implementation of aviation consumer protections. The consultation being undertaken by the Department of Infrastructure and consists of two key elements: CHOICE’s media release on the consultation and the government’s proposals is available here: https://www.choice.com.au/about-us/media/media-releases/2025/september/aviation-consumer-protection-scheme-a-welcome-first-step-but-still-falls-short

Read More Federal government consults on proposed new protections for aviation consumers

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Financial Counselling Australia (FCA) welcomes the announcement that ANZ has admitted to widespread misconduct and has agreed to pay $240 million in penalties.   ANZ has admitted to unconscionable conduct, overstating bond trading data by tens of billions, and widespread misconduct affecting nearly 65,000 customers. The matters will now be considered by the Federal Court which…

Read More ANZ Admits to Unconscionable Conduct

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Children are at serious risk of injury if bunk beds are poorly made or assembled. Serious injuries that can happen include fractures, concussion, and strangulation. Standards Australia has released a revised draft standard DR AS/NZS 4220:2025 Bunk beds and other elevated beds for Public Comment (see below).  This Standard specifies strength, durability, stability and general…

Read More Bunk Beds Standard open for public comment

Fraud Alert

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Law Enforcement has recently opened an inquiry into crime as a service – but why is that relevant to consumer organisations? Crime as a Service, also called cybercrime as a service or CaaS, includes things like the acquisition of personal information and the proliferation of fake websites and bulk emails…

Read More Joint Committee Opens Submissions on Crime as a Service

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Consumer advocacy groups have welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to open consultation on strengthening the mandatory Unit Pricing Code. Treasury has released a Consultation Paper on ways to strengthen the Retail Grocery Industry (Unit Pricing) Code of Conduct administered by the ACCC. The Code is a mandatory industry code of conduct made under Part IVB…

Read More Consultation Open to Strengthen Unit Pricing Code, Address Shrinkflation