Consumers' Federation of Australia

3 July , 2019

Telecommunications Consumer Protection Code inadequately protects consumers: consumer groups

The revised Telecommunications Consumer Protection (TCP) Code fails to adequately protect telco consumers, according to consumer groups. Despite consultation with the telco industry and regulator, consumer groups including ACCAN, Consumer Action Law Centre, WEstjustice, Financial Counselling Australia, Financial and Consumer Rights Council, Financial Rights Legal Centre, Money Mob, and HK Training and Consultancy, consider that…

3 July , 2019

New Banking Code Compliance Committee open for business

From 1 July 2019, 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…

26 June , 2019

CFA side event at the Consumers International Congress in Portugal

The CFA sponsored side event on grocery unit pricing at the Consumers International Summit in Portugal on 29 April 2019 was very successful. CFA executive member Ian Jarratt gave a presentation on the history, benefits of, and problems with, the provision of unit pricing of pre-packaged grocery items around the world. Ian also provided a…

17 June , 2019

Unconscionable conduct: Divided High Court confirms need for change to the law

In its response to the High Court finding that a ‘book-up’ credit scheme operated in the remote Aboriginal community of Mintabie in the South Australian APY lands was not unconscionable, Consumer Action Law Centre (Consumer Action) says that Australia needs an economy-wide prohibition on unfair trading. “Unconscionable conduct is a complex legal term, and it…

12 June , 2019

Updated standard on toy safety protects children

Children can suffer a range of injuries from unsafe toys. Make sure you buy sturdy and well-made toys that can handle vigorous play by children. It is an offence to supply goods that do not comply with mandatory standards, read more here The newly published revised and redesignated toys standard specifies safety aspects related to the…

6 June , 2019

Opportunity to participate in a Standards Development Program (NEXTgen)

Applications now open for Standards Australia’s NEXTgen Contributors Program which selects emerging industry and technical experts and provides them with an exciting opportunity to become involved in the national and international standardisation processes supporting Australian industry and government. Do you know any emerging experts in your industry? Standards Australia are now accepting applications for the 2019/20 NEXTgen Contributors Program.…

6 June , 2019

World Food Safety Day

The first ever World Food Safety Day (WFSD) will be celebrated on 7 June 2019 to draw attention and inspire action to help prevent, detect and manage foodborne risks, contributing to food security, human health, economic prosperity, agriculture, market access, tourism and sustainable development. As an initiative by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the…

30 May , 2019

CPRC Research Report: A Day in the Life of Data

Consumer Policy Research’s Centre (CPRC)’s latest report – A Day in the Life of Data – illustrates the bewildering volume and scope of data collected about consumers just as they go about their daily lives. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is here, and personal information is increasingly being collected and commodified while legislation fails to keep up. Led…

28 May , 2019

UN Sustainable development goals – standards can help

Transforming the world is the aim of the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – they represent an ambitious plan to enhance peace and prosperity, eradicate poverty and protect the planet. Organizations and companies looking to contribute to the SDGs will find that standards support the three pillars of sustainable development: economic, social and environmental…

28 May , 2019

Check the safety of electrical products – does it have this mark?

Consumers have a right to be electrically safe when they buy electrical products, despite the enormous growth in online stores. Tested and compliant products would have this RCM mark on them, giving assurance that they meet Australian standards. The recent ruling where a importer and online seller was fined $1.2 million is a stark reminder…

20 May , 2019

CFA Webinar Series

CFA’s quarterly webinar series will continue on Friday 14th June from 2-3pm AEST. The webinar will be hosted by Gerard Brody, CFA Chair and CEO of Consumer Action Law Centre, and Gemma Mitchell, Managing Solicitor at Consumer Credit Legal Service WA. Gerard and Gemma will share reflections and insights from their recent travels to Portugal for the Consumers International Summit, which…

16 May , 2019

National Volunteer Week 2019

Established in 1989, National Volunteer Week (NVW) is the largest celebration of volunteers and volunteerism in Australia and provides an opportunity to highlight the role of volunteers in our community and to say thank you to the more than 6 million Australians who volunteer. Consumers Federation of Australia (CFA) depends on the volunteers who represent…