Wooden compost bin with organic waste and vegetables. Wooden compost bin with organic waste and vegetables.

Composting is the natural recycling of organic waste, while it’s a seemingly simple concept, the world of composting can be full of confusion. People often use the terms ‘biodegradable’ and ‘compostable’ interchangeably – although they’re not the same thing, find out more in Composting for Beginners. In Australia, products claiming to be home compostable must be…

Read More Open for Public Comment: Revised Home Composting Standard

A SHARED VISION FOR A BETTER WORLD Standards for SDGs World Standards Day 14 October IEC, ISO, ITU

World Standards Day highlights how standards support UN Sustainable Development Goals , and this year the focus is on  Goal 7 | Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. From energy safety and reliability to digital services and payments, standards help keep communities connected and support a more sustainable future. Behind…

Read More World Standards Day 14 October 2026 – Affordable and clean energy (SDG7)

Scrabble tiles spelling 'launch'. Scrabble tiles spelling 'launch'.

Join us for the launch of Consumer Advocacy Essentials, CFA’s new online course for consumer advocates. The launch event will feature a live panel discussion featuring ASIC Commissioner, Alan Kirkland and Consumer Affairs Victoria Director, Nicole Rich, as well as a first look at course content and everything you need to get started. Register here…

Read More Course Launch for the Consumer Advocacy Essentials

Tattoo artist with gloves operates a tattoo machine in a tattoo parlor setting Tattoo artist with gloves operates a tattoo machine in a tattoo parlor setting

Medical devices can be used to diagnose, prevent, treat, and monitor medical conditions. They include things like implants, software,    surgical equipment, pacemakers, baby incubators, and other items. Conventional electrodes that collect electrical signals from the human body for wearable health monitors and human-machine interfaces struggle to remain adhered to hairy and sweaty skin during exercise and the…

Read More Paintable electronic tattoos – is that a medical device?

Flat lay of sunscreen bottle with message 'Don't skip the sunscreen' on a towel. Flat lay of sunscreen bottle with message 'Don't skip the sunscreen' on a towel.

We can be sunburnt from direct sunlight, as well as in the shade from reflected radiation from snow, sand, water, clouds, and the sky itself.  Often referred to as our ‘national cancer,’ Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Each year, more than 2000 Australians die from this almost entirely preventable…

Read More Sunscreen Products – Draft standard open for Public Comment

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As part of the Consumers’ Federation of Australia’s commitment to supporting a thriving consumer movement, we at CFA are pleased to announce that Rosie Thomas has joined CFA in the newly created role of Executive Director.  Rosie was formerly Director of Campaigns and Communications at CHOICE, where she led national campaigns across a range of…

Read More CFA Welcomes Rosie Thomas as our new Executive Director

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New CSIRO project Quantum timing technology has developed two portable quantum-enabled timing devices that have potential benefits for consumer infrastructure including communications networks, transport systems, power grids, and financial services. Designed to help maintain secure timing for critical systems when Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals, including GPS, are disrupted. CSIRO said the project also contributes to Australia’s autonomous capability…

Read More Quantum Technology in Action

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The 2026 ACCC National Consumer Congress has been held and with it, the Consumers’ Federation of Australia’s annual Consumer Advocacy Award. This year saw four projects and campaigns presented by CFA members from across the consumer advocacy sector, each of which saw substantial benefit to many consumers.  The nominees this year were:  1. Stronger Voices,…

Read More Consumer Advocacy Award 2026

Two women exchanging sanitary pads, highlighting menstrual health awareness. Two women exchanging sanitary pads, highlighting menstrual health awareness.

Menstrual health hygiene includes the practices, facilities, and education to manage menstruation safely, privately, and with dignity. It encompasses proper body care, access to safe and affordable products, and the sanitation services required to manage the menstrual cycle comfortably. Menstruation (also called a “period”) is a normal biological process experienced by millions around the world…

Read More Menstrual Hygiene – Safe consumer access

turtle, baby turtle, beach, chick, young, nature, sand, sandy, coast, animal, reptiles, wild animals, wildlife pictures, sea turtle turtle, baby turtle, beach, chick, young, nature, sand, sandy, coast, animal, reptiles, wild animals, wildlife pictures, sea turtle

Plastic Free July is an opportunity to pause, rethink everyday habits and get started with simple steps to reduce reliance on single use plastics. As global plastic production has increased dramatically since the mid-20th century, so too have the life cycle emissions of plastics. Climate change is actively reshaping how plastics behave in the environment, making them more mobile, persistent…

Read More Plastic Free July

National Volunteer Week 18-24 May 2026 Your Year to Volunteer National Volunteer Week 18-24 May 2026 Your Year to Volunteer

The theme for National Volunteer Week 2026 is ‘Your Year to Volunteer’. This theme not only honours the contributions of volunteers but also encourages people across Australia to make 2026 the year they get involved and make a difference. The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2026 the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026), highlighting the vital…

Read More National Volunteer Week 18-24 May 2026

A solitary street lamp illuminates the night, creating a moody urban atmosphere. A solitary street lamp illuminates the night, creating a moody urban atmosphere.

Road and public space lighting schemes’ primary aim is the safe movement of people whether in motorised vehicles or as pedestrians. Lighting is critical to creating a public area that is safe and inviting for users and appropriate lighting can provide significant community benefits. Standards Australia has released a draft standard DR AS/NZS 1158.1.1:2026 Lighting for roads and…

Read More Have Your Say – Lighting for roads and public spaces