Consumers' Federation of Australia

20 February , 2019

Wastewater and caring for the environment

Consumers are increasingly aware of plastic and other litter damaging our water systems and environment. There are also many products that have the potential to cause significant problems to the environment once in the wastewater system. CFA has a representative on the Standards Australia Technical Committee WS-041 which is drafting a new standard on flushable products to make it…

19 February , 2019

Sustainable development goals to tackle global challenges

In 2015 the UN set an ambitious plan to address some of the pressing issues faced by the world. The Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, and peace and justice.…

18 February , 2019

Changes to communications landscape accelerating

Australians’ ever-increasing appetite for data-hungry video services is transforming the communications landscape. This is a key finding of the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s Communications report 2017–18, tabled in federal parliament today. The annual ACMA report examines the current telecommunication and media environment, including the latest in industry innovations and consumer trends. ‘Over 50 per…

15 February , 2019

Going further with a financial counselling review

The Coalition Government has agreed to take action on all 76 recommendations contained in the Royal Commission’s Final Report and, in a number of important areas, is going further, including conducting an immediate review of financial counselling services. In his Final Report, Commissioner Hayne observed, “The desirability of predictable and stable funding for the legal…

13 February , 2019

Still time to have your say on unit pricing

The future of a federal regulation that requires large supermarkets to provide the unit price (price per unit of measure – such as per 100g and per litre) on shelf labels, etc. for packaged grocery items is being reviewed by the Federal Government. The review includes a short online consumer survey which can be accessed…

13 February , 2019

No interest loan plan puts roof-top solar within reach of struggling households

PIAC’s Energy + Water Consumer Advocacy Program (EWCAP) has welcomed the New South Wales Government’s commitment to provide no-interest loans for households to access solar and batteries, announced on Sunday. ‘This program will provide welcome relief for people struggling with the cost of living. Making finance available for up to 300,000 households with income below…

13 February , 2019

Biggest overhaul of building laws in NSW history

New home owners in NSW will be better protected after the NSW Government announced strong plans to improve the building and construction industry. Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said the plan, which includes appointing a Building Commissioner, has been months in the making, after the Building Ministers’ Forum (BMF) commissioned an independent report into…

12 February , 2019

No Australian Left Offline

A new affordable home broadband product for financially stressed Australians on low incomes should be a key priority for political parties ahead of the 2019 Federal election, according to consumer organisation ACCAN. Australia’s peak body representing telecommunications consumers, ACCAN, is urging the nation’s political parties to consider a proposal for a wholesale broadband concession that…

11 February , 2019

Reducing fraudsters’ theft of mobile numbers

The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) receives complaints from consumers whose mobile numbers have been stolen by a fraudulent third party. Their new publication, Systemic Spotlight, explores the issue and how the TIO has worked with service providers to improve security and protect consumers. The publication highlights how the systemic investigation power allows The TIO to…

11 February , 2019

Know Your Rights When Moving House

The Andrews Labor Government is urging Victorians who are moving to be vigilant when hiring a furniture removal company, following a jump in the number of reports about removal and freight services. Moving house is one of life’s more stressful tasks – made all the more painful if your valued furniture and possessions are damaged,…

7 February , 2019

NBN speeds mostly steady, but improvements needed

Fixed-line NBN customers received generally good levels of service during the latest round of ACCC broadband speed tests, but some consumers experienced a dip in speeds. The ACCC’s latest Measuring Broadband Australia report, released today, expands the number of retail service providers (RSPs) to include Dodo, iPrimus and Exetel, enabling the report to cover a…

6 February , 2019

The Art of Political Advocacy: Breakfast and Panel Discussion

The Consumers’ Federation of Australia will host a breakfast and panel discussion before the National Consumer Congress 2019. Details: Thursday, March 14, 2019 from 7:00 AM – 8:15 AM, before the National Consumer Congress Melbourne Room, Melbourne Town Hall90-130 Swanston St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000 The ‘Art of Political Advocacy’ panel discussion will provide an opportunity to learn…