Consumers' Federation of Australia

17 July , 2017

Unexpected Mobile Charges May Be Costing Consumers Millions

A new survey, commissioned by the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN), has revealed that 12 per cent of respondents experienced unexpected third party charges on their mobile phone bills in the last six months. “Applied to the mobile customer base of Telstra, Optus and Vodafone, this 12 per cent equates to almost 1.9m people…

14 July , 2017

CAV to Take Daiso to Court over Product Safety Breaches

Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) has begun civil proceedings against Origo & Co Pty Ltd (ACN: 140 019 656) – previously Daiso (Australia) Pty Ltd – in the Federal Court of Australia, for alleged contraventions of product safety provisions and other protections under the Australian Consumer Law. CAV will allege that between 2011 and 2016, the…

14 July , 2017

New Safety Standard for Ethanol Burners

A new safety standard for decorative alcohol-fuelled devices, also known as ethanol burners, will ensure consumers’ safety, Small Business Minister Michael McCormack says. “I’m worried about the harm these products can cause consumers, which is why I’ve made a safety standard which particularly targets table-top devices which pose the greatest risk,” Mr McCormack said. Mr…

13 July , 2017

Nanotechnology in Plain Language – An International Standard

CFA have participated in the development of an international standard designed for people who may not be researchers or manufacturers of products using nanotechnology, but who none-the-less need to be familiar with the terms and definitions used in the field. CFA representative Elaine Attwood attended the recent interim meeting of ISO TC 229 Nanotechnologies JWG1 held…

10 July , 2017

ASIC Taskforce Signals Shift from Self-Regulation in Finance Industry

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) Enforcement Review Taskforce is conducting consultations on a number of proposed reforms to improve the enforcement powers of ASIC. The Taskforce has just released a series of consultation papers. Recent media reports and Parliamentary inquiries have revealed the impact that poor financial services practices have on people’s lives, leading to intense regulatory scrutiny and reduced consumer confidence. One of the key…

10 July , 2017

Energy Consumers Want Benefits of Competition – ECA

Media release from Energy Consumers Australia, July 6 2017: Energy Consumers Australia today published the results of its third national survey of the attitudes and activity of household and small business energy consumers. Energy Consumers Australia CEO Rosemary Sinclair said the survey of 2,300 consumers, undertaken between 30 March and 6 April 2017, was consistent…

7 July , 2017

Most Australians Facing Internet Issues – CHOICE Survey

CHOICE finds 62% of Australians faced issues with their internet in the past six months, with Telstra ranked last for value for money CHOICE’s internet satisfaction survey has found Australians have been plagued by disconnections and drop-outs, connection issues and slow speeds over the past six months, with consumers least satisfied with Telstra and Dodo. …

7 July , 2017

Governments take first step towards an official UN World Consumer Protection Week

Announcement from Consumers International (CI): In a very positive step forward, national consumer protection ministries and agencies have reached agreement on a proposal for the United Nations (UN) to make World Consumer Protection Week an official UN observance. The proposal calls for the week to be held each year in the week in which the…

4 July , 2017

CHOICE Says Look Past The Lifetime Health Cover Hype

CHOICE says young Australians shouldn’t feel pressured into taking out health insurance just to avoid paying Lifetime Health Cover loading New CHOICE analysis has found taking out poor value health insurance, simply to avoid a future loading on premiums, may ultimately leave consumers worse off. “As the end of financial year approaches, health insurance and…

3 July , 2017

‘Independent’ Means Independent – ASIC Clarifies Financial Adviser Terms

‘Independent’, ‘independently owned’, ‘non-aligned’ – financial advisers use a variety of terms to promise a lack of conflict of interest. But what do these terms mean? And what is required before an adviser can lawfully use them? ASIC has clarified its position on the use of restricted terms relating to the independence of financial advisers after seeking…

30 June , 2017

Solar Retail Code Independently Reviewed

The Solar Retailer Code of Conduct aims to promote best practice by businesses selling solar PV systems. Developed and administered by the Clean Energy Council (CEC) in 2013 and authorised by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the code requires signatories to abide by some important standards, including: A standard minimum warranty period of five…

30 June , 2017

Consumer Action Launch Campaign for Retirement Housing Reform

Consumer Action Law Centre have launched a campaign urging reform in the Retirement Housing Industry following joint Four Corners/Fairfax Media investigations that brought to light the lengthy contracts, exploitation and crippling exit fees that dog the industry. Consumer Action say that while the revelations have shocked many, the issue is nothing new and the sector is crying out…