Consumers' Federation of Australia

26 March , 2018

ACCAN welcomes ACCC action over Premium Billing charges

The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) welcomes the ACCC’s announcement today that it has commenced proceedings against Telstra for misleading its customers about third party billing services. ACCAN CEO Teresa Corbin said that consumers have been extremely frustrated by these unexpected charges on their telco bills and by the difficulties they experience in resolving…

24 March , 2018

ACCC moves to improve quad bike safety

The ACCC has proposed major changes to improve the safety of quad bikes, including the introduction of a safety rating system, crush protection devices and mandatory minimum performance standards. Tragically, quad bike accidents result in an average of 16 deaths in Australia each year. They also result in approximately six people per day attending a…

23 March , 2018

Education campaign on ticket reselling to benefit consumers

Consumer protection agencies across Australia today launched an education campaign to highlight issues around buying resold and second hand tickets to concerts, sporting events, festivals and other events. The education campaign will improve understanding and awareness of the ticket resale market, and help consumers to understand the risks associated with purchasing tickets from secondary resellers…

21 March , 2018

Deadline extended for victims scammed via Western Union

The ACCC’s Scamwatch is urging all Australians who lost money to a scammer through Western Union from 2004 to 2017 to take action by 31 May 2018* to try to get it back. Western Union has agreed to pay a penalty of US$586 million to the United States’ Department of Justice (DOJ) after admitting to…

21 March , 2018

New report uncovers murky world of online marketing

Online marketing, lead generation and cold-calling have been scrutinised in a new report from Consumer Action Law Centre. The report, entitled Dirty Leads: consumer protection in online lead generation, finds that marketers that use ‘lead generation’ can give rise to consumer manipulation and harm. Lead generation involves businesses who use techniques like online surveys or tricky…

18 March , 2018

Western Australian Consumer Protection Awards 2018

Congratulations to the winners and finalists of the 2018 Consumer Protection Awards and many thanks to all the nominees for their dedication to advancing consumer protection and injury prevention for children in Western Australia. Rona Okely Award Finalists: Helen Creed Merv Mancer Winner: Nanette Williams Nanette Williams arrived in Karratha in January 1982 and since…

16 March , 2018

Queensland leads the way in energy storage

Energy-savvy Queenslanders with home battery storage can put $50 in their pocket from today by signing up to Australia’s first battery storage database. Queensland Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham today announced the home battery database, which will also improve safety during emergencies. “Households with solar panels are starting to install batteries to store their solar…

15 March , 2018

Complaints management gets big thumbs up on World Consumer Rights Day

Proper complaints management can provide a major financial boost for NSW businesses according to a new report released today, Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said. The report – released to coincide with World Consumer Rights Day today – was produced by the Society of Consumer Affairs Professionals (SOCAP), and the University of Newcastle. Mr…

14 March , 2018

Volkswagen emissions con continues

Consumer group CHOICE says it’s time for real world emissions testing to ensure consumers aren’t misled by car makers CHOICE is renewing its call for real world testing of vehicle fuel efficiency following new research that found Volkswagen’s recalled and “fixed” cars are using more fuel and emitting more noxious emissions than allowed under Australian…

12 March , 2018

Australians can now track NBN progress in monthly reports

NBN Co has announced a new monthly report to track service and quality improvements on the nbn broadband access network. The report will include key measures such as the number of homes and businesses which can connect to the nbn™ access network, network congestion levels, the percentage of homes and businesses on a 50mbps (download) wholesale speed…

10 March , 2018

‘Rank the Banks’ survey results released

The financial counselling sector has today released its third annual Rank the Banks survey and it contains both bouquets and brickbats. Nearly 300 financial counsellors were surveyed for their views on how the banking industry is responding to customers in financial hardship. Financial counsellors were also asked for the first time to rank the hardship practices of…

9 March , 2018

The Reject Shop ordered to pay $155,000 over unsafe projectile toys

National variety goods retailer The Reject Shop Ltd has been penalised $140,000 after admitting that it contravened the product safety provisions of the Australian Consumer Law (Victoria) by selling projectile toys that did not meet the relevant Australian Safety Standard. The Reject Shop operates more than 330 stores across Australia. Consumer Affairs Victoria took action…