Consumers' Federation of Australia

25 February , 2018

The second-hand market gets a new ISO standard to protect consumers

The second-hand economy is booming with more and more consumers buying used goods. How can we be sure that the second-hand baby crib we buy won’t cause injury or harm? Purchasing used products can bring its share of bad surprises, but a new International Standard helps make sure those hand-me-down treasures are not putting your…

19 February , 2018

Safety concerns for children at trampoline parks

At least 500 children have ended up in hospital emergency departments in Australia between 2012 and 2017 due to injuries at indoor trampoline parks. The number of trampoline parks has soared past 80 in the past six years, but with lawsuits, catastrophic spinal injuries and even deaths overseas clouding the industry’s future, experts are urgently…

15 February , 2018

Credit card reforms long overdue

On 15th February, a package of reforms to improve credit card lending and marketing practices passed Federal Parliament. Consumer advocacy groups Consumer Action Law Centre and CHOICE are relieved to see the important reforms finally enacted after a long consultation process. The reforms will: require affordability assessments to be based on a person’s ability to…

15 February , 2018

Government introduces legislation to improve outcomes for consumers

The following is a Media Release from The Hon Michael Sukkar MP: Assistant Minister to the Treasurer The Turnbull Government has today introduced a Bill into Parliament containing reforms to improve outcomes for Australian consumers across a range of areas. Schedule 1 of the Treasury Laws Amendment (2018 Measures No. 3) Bill 2018 amends the Australia Consumer Law…

14 February , 2018

Consumer Action asks insurance companies to show Australians some love

As Consumer Action Law Centre asks insurance companies to “Show Us Some Love”, a new report from the Centre shares the shocking stories of Australians caught out by unfair terms in insurance contracts. The report DENIED: Levelling the playing field to make insurance fair details people’s shocking experiences with insurance claims and shows why an unfair contract…

14 February , 2018

Potting mix health risks

The following is an excerpt from an article that was originally published on The Conversation. Gardening is generally a healthy and pleasurable hobby or occupation. However, any activity carries some risk – and gardening is no exception. Potting mix is known to carry harmful bacteria and fungi. And there have been reports of deaths from diseases, such…

13 February , 2018

Queensland’s plastic shopping bag ban

It is estimated that close to one billion single use lightweight supermarket style plastic shopping bags are used in Queensland each year. Queensland’s Department of Environment and Heritage Protection advise that while most of these end up in landfill, around 16 million enter the environment in Queensland each year. The lightweight plastic bags often end…

12 February , 2018

Changes to discounted prices on fuel price boards

From 31 January 2018, petrol stations will not be able to display conditionally discounted prices of fuel on the price board. All fuel retailers must show only the full price of fuel available to all motorists, instead of displaying potentially misleading or confusing prices. The regulation also requires fuel retailers to change the price displayed…

11 February , 2018

Airline complaints falling on deaf ears

Consumer group CHOICE is calling on the Federal Government to establish an airline ombudsman that is funded by the industry as new research shows travellers are getting increasingly fed up with unresolved complaints. The latest data from CHOICE’s flight delays and cancellations tool, Complane.com.au, has found that Jetstar was the worst offender when it comes to…

8 February , 2018

Call for banks to provide reasons behind harmful practices

In its submission to the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry, CHOICE has called on the Commission to use its special powers to compel banks, insurers and lenders to provide evidence behind high fees and harmful practices. “CHOICE is calling for the Royal Commission to use its powers to…

7 February , 2018

Don’t panic, it’s organic!

Growing numbers of Australian consumers are opting for organic products, and should be able to feel confident that the ingredients are in fact organic. Many products carry a symbol, logo or other trade mark to show that they are certified organic. This certification is currently performed by 7 private bodies that are accredited by the Department…

7 February , 2018

Consumer Action Law Centre: Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Finance Sector, part 2

Consumer Action Law Centre has published part 2 of its submission to the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Finance Sector. The submission draws on the experience of the Centre assisting Victorians through legal advice and representation, and financial counselling. The submission identifies various drivers of misconduct or conduct falling below community standards and expectations,…