Consumers' Federation of Australia

23 December , 2017

New telco rules an early Christmas present for consumers

The Minister for Communications has directed the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to impose new rules that will force telcos to significantly improve the consumer experience in moving to the NBN. This is a great win for consumers. The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) has been calling for some time for these issues to be addressed and…

22 December , 2017

ACCC Report: Airlines need to comply with consumer law

With over 10 million passengers flying last December and January, the ACCC has today released a report Airlines: Terms and conditions ahead of the busy Christmas travel season to remind travellers of their rights. The ACCC received 1400 complaints about airlines from 1 January 2016 to 14 December 2017, largely concerning consumer rights, known as consumer guarantees.…

20 December , 2017

Better dispute resolution for cars needed, say ACCC and Consumer Action

The ACCC last week released the final report from its market study into Australia’s new car retailing industry following 18 months of extensive research, investigations and consultation with industry and consumer groups. “The ACCC recommends several reforms to improve the new car retailing industry, which should lead to better outcomes for consumers. Some will require industry led…

20 December , 2017

Proposed curbs on gambling advertising a good first step

Financial Counselling Australia (FCA) welcomes the Government’s proposals to curb gambling advertising on radio and television. Although a complete ban on advertising is preferable, the Government’s plan to prohibit gambling advertising during live sports events between 5:00am and 8:30pm is a step in the right direction. We are alarmed, however, that the broadcast industry is…

20 December , 2017

CAANZ releases guidance on the application of Australian Consumer Law to charities and fundraising

Consumer Affairs Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) regulators have released guidance on the application of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) to the fundraising and other activities of charities, not-for-profits and fundraisers. Download A Guide to the Australian Consumer Law – For fundraising and other activities of charities, not-for-profits and fundraisers (pdf, 366.4 KB) CAANZ comprises senior…

20 December , 2017

ACCAN welcomes Government response to Universal Service Obligation

The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) has welcomed the Government’s response to the Productivity Commission report into the existing Universal Service Obligation (USO). ACCAN are pleased that the Government’s response acknowledges that existing arrangements are out of date and in need of reform, and welcomes the Government’s commitment to provide universal access to voice and…

19 December , 2017

Independent Review of Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman

The Final Report of the Independent Review of the TIO has been published, in conjunction with the response from the Ombudsman. The Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Services Standards) Act 1999 was amended three years ago to require the TIO to be regularly reviewed, and this is the first such review. The Executive Summary of the Final Report notes that…

18 December , 2017

Consumer Tips: Buy Gift Cards Carefully and Use Them Early

Many of us will buy and receive gift cards this festive season and the Queensland Consumers Association advises buyers to check that the terms and conditions are fair and not likely to be unduly restrictive for the receiver, and recipients to consider using them soon after receipt. Association spokesperson, Ian Jarratt, says many people think…

12 December , 2017

Avoiding surcharges for card payments

To avoid being slugged with excessive charges for paying by card during the busy Christmas and holiday shopping period, consumers should be aware of the national restrictions on surcharging by businesses for payments made by debit, credit or prepaid cards, and lookout for businesses that may not be complying. The Queensland Consumers Association’s spokesperson, Ian…

11 December , 2017

CHOICE calls for improved labelling on alcoholic drinks

Consumer group CHOICE is calling for improved labelling on alcoholic drinks to help people compare their beverage options. “For many people Christmas is a time to enjoy a festive drink but if they want to choose lower kilojoule tipples, right now they can’t easily compare their options” says CHOICE spokesperson, Katinka Day. “While consumers can…

5 December , 2017

Principles to secure trust in Internet of Things

Four global and European consumer organisations today launched their principles recommendations to make consumer rights, privacy and security core features of the Internet of Things. Consumers International, BEUC, ANEC and ICRT recognise the benefits of IoT applications but urge developers, manufacturers, policy-makers and regulators to deal with numerous challenges and risks. According to estimates there…

4 December , 2017

Time for a Reboot for the troubled Telco sector

Consumer rights in telecommunications, including mobile and broadband services, are so parlous that thousands of people are being left without access to essential services or meaningful redress when their suppliers fail them, according to consumer advocates. A group of leading consumer advocates today pointed to staggering complaint levels, unfair sales tactics, and disappointing responses to…