Computer code against a dark blue background Computer code against a dark blue background

Consumer Data Standards would like to invite two members of CFA to attend a Consumer Experience workshop on the topic of consumer control. Focus of the workshop This workshop will generate ideas and directions for how to provide more control to Consumer Data Right (CDR) consumers. Consumer Data Standards are asking participants to prepare presentations…

Read More Invitation to Consumer Data Right workshop

Two people on a quad bike Two people on a quad bike

The ACCC has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to improve the safety of quad bikes by introducing a new safety standard. The decision was announced by Assistant Treasurer the Hon Michael Sukkar today. The safety standard has three elements: improved information for potential purchasers, enhanced quad bike stability, and rollover protection to reduce injuries and…

Read More ACCC welcomes new quad bike safety standard

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Innovation is an increasingly important contributor to the success of an organization, enhancing its ability to adapt in a changing world. Consumers’ Federation of Australia has recently appointed a representative to Standards Australia’s Technical Committee MB-279 Innovation management mirroring the work of ISO TC 279. Consumers are integral to the innovation process since they have more know-how,…

Read More Innovation management and consumers

An open door with keys hanging in the lock An open door with keys hanging in the lock

Consumer advocate CHOICE has welcomed draft laws to reform the mortgage broking industry by introducing a duty for brokers to act in their clients’ best interests but called for the government to remove loopholes that would harm consumers. CHOICE says that if done well, this reform will unleash greater price competition in the home loan…

Read More “Loud wake-up call for the problem-plagued mortgage broking industry”: CHOICE

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World Standards Day will be on 14 October 2019. World Standards Day promotes the role of standards in meeting the needs of consumers, industry, business and government. Consumers’ Federation Australia takes this opportunity to thank all the CFA Standards representatives participating on Standards Australia Technical Committees who ensure that standards address the concerns of everyday Australians.  This…

Read More World Standards Day 14 October 2019: “Video standards create a global stage”

A view of the steering wheel of a car from behind the driver A view of the steering wheel of a car from behind the driver

Major car manufacturers, including BMW, GM Holden, Honda, Mitsubishi and Toyota, are warning that 20,000 vehicles already under recall for defective Takata airbags are now classified as “critical”. The ACCC is urging consumers not to drive these cars at all until the airbag has been replaced. “Cars with airbags listed as ‘critical’ should not be…

Read More Urgent safety alert for ‘critical’ Takata airbags

A navy blue piece of fabric being sewn by a sewing machine A navy blue piece of fabric being sewn by a sewing machine

When we look at our global consumption in numbers, we are given a stark reminder of the task ahead. Around the world, nearly one million plastic bottles are sold every minute, and five trillion pieces of plastic are floating in our oceans. We buy over 80 billion new clothing items a year, and consume 3.9 billion tonnes…

Read More Five trends driving progress towards Sustainable Consumption

A gift card for fifty dollars. On it a photo of a child eating popcorn at the cinema A gift card for fifty dollars. On it a photo of a child eating popcorn at the cinema

Consumers’ Federation Austrlaia welcomes the introduction of new gift card laws that start on 1 November 2019. The new rules will help stop gift cards going to waste or being eroded by fees and charges. All gift cards bought from 1 November will come with a minimum three-year expiry period, with the expiry date clearly…

Read More New national gift card laws a win for consumers

Cans of food stacked on a shelf in a grocery store Cans of food stacked on a shelf in a grocery store

The Queensland Consumers Association (the ‘Association’) is disappointed with the Federal Government’s decision to merely extend the regulation that requires large supermarkets to provide the unit price for prepackaged grocery products until 1 October 2021, without making any changes. The current regulation, which has been in operation for 10 years, was due to expire on…

Read More Federal Govt’s decision on grocery price labelling disappoints consumers

Three people sitting at a desk having a meeting, two with their backs to the camera Three people sitting at a desk having a meeting, two with their backs to the camera

The new Banking Code Compliance Committee (BCCC) will monitor banks’ compliance with the 2019 Banking Code of Practice (the Code). The BCCC will work with banks and stakeholders to ensure that the high standards of service and other promises made to customers through the Code are embedded and adhered to by the 19 banking groups that subscribe…

Read More New Banking Code Compliance Committee open for business

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Scrutiny of add-on insurance products by consumers, regulators and government has increased recently, with a particular focus on the sale of consumer credit insurance (CCI). Insurers and third-party sellers have been criticised for offering poor-quality products, pressure selling and selling to consumers who were unaware they were consenting to purchase CCI. In light of these…

Read More Sale of consumer credit insurance by customer owned banking Code subscribers