Consumers' Federation of Australia

6 December , 2016

Financial Counselling Australia: Financial Counsellors Support Merger of FOS and CIO

Financial counsellors – who help hundreds of Australians with financial services disputes each year – have provided overwhelming support for the merger of the Financial Ombudsman Service and the Credit & Investments Ombudsman into a one stop financial complaints ombudsman service. Seventy-five percent of financial counsellors that responded to a survey by Financial Counselling Australia…

5 December , 2016

ACCAN: New Coalition formed to end the data drought

A group of like-minded advocacy groups have come together to end the data drought by forming the Regional, Rural and Remote Communications Coalition to champion better communications services for consumers and small businesses living in rural, remote or regional areas. The Coalition includes the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN), the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), the…

2 December , 2016

Cooling-off periods for consumers don’t work: study

Paul Harrison, Deakin University When customers are offered a “cooling off” period, they don’t change their minds, even when the alternative is considered subjectively better, our research finds. We also found that some consumers (around 30%) only responded when contacted by the seller and asked if they would still like to opt in. Under current…

29 November , 2016

CI fights for UN recognition of World Consumer Rights Day

In early 2016, Consumers International (CI) has proposed the United Nations to recognise World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) as an official UN International Day. CFA is happy to report that over the year, the recognition of WCRD has made significant improvement. The proposal was raised for debate at the pilot UN Intergovernmental Expert Group Meeting…

29 November , 2016

Sunglasses – more than a fashion accessory

With summer fast approaching, wearing sunglasses becomes part of our daily routine, but are they protecting you the way they should.

16 November , 2016 1 comment

Ladder safety

In one year in Australia, 1668 people aged 65 years and over were hospitalised because they fell from a ladder. Sixty-two per cent of those injuries occurred in or around their home.

15 November , 2016

Gap in service: ACCAN and SACOSS release report on a lack of telecommunication services to low-income consumers

The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) and the South Australian Council of Social Service (SACOSS) have collaborated to publish a report on telecommunications affordability. The report, titled Connectivity Costs: Telecommunications Affordability for Low-Income Australia was formed through over 500 surveys with Centrelink recipients and low-income Health Care Card Holders and multiple focus groups. The…

27 October , 2016

Builders now have a new tool to add to their kit

Victorians planning to build or renovate a home now have a handy addition to their tool kits. The Victorian Government has launched a new online domestic building tool, which streamlines access to building and renovating information to help people make informed decisions, understand their legal rights and obligations, and resolve issues such…

18 October , 2016

ACCC market study into new car retailing—have your say

The ACCC is conducting a market study of the new car retailing industry. The market study will review industry practices in the sector to assist in identifying risks to consumers and the competitive process. The key issues to be covered by the study include: compliance with consumer guarantees obligations and the ability of consumers to…

11 October , 2016

Standards build trust – World Standards Day – 14 October 2016

World Standards Day is held on 14 October each year and has been recognised worldwide since 1970; it raises awareness and recognises the achievements and efforts of the thousands of experts who share their know-how and expertise in voluntary international standards setting. Australian consumers can be assured that the products and systems they use are safe and reliable thanks to an objective, rigorous set of standards.

7 October , 2016

2016 Deni Green Award goes to Phil Wilkinson

The 2016 Deni Green Award and $2000 prize money goes to Phil Wilkinson, CEO of AIRAH and founding member of the Green Building Council of Australia. See more information and video interview with Phil here “Phil is a rare find – the combination of technical expertise, a passion for effective communication and a deep commitment…

22 September , 2016

Financial Rights Legal Centre and Consumers Federation Australia publish submission to review Code of Banking Practice

Consumers Federation Australia (CFA) along with several consumer organisations have recently submitted a joint consumer representative submission to the Australian Banking Association. The ABA has resourced this 2016 submission, conducted as a collaborative effort between the CFA and the Financial Rights Legal Centre (FRLC). CFA and the FRLC engaged with the following consumer organisations who have…