Car buyers are being advised to exercise caution before agreeing to purchase ‘after sale add-ons’ and to get multiple quotes before accepting any finance offered by motor vehicle dealers. The advice follows a recent increase in complaints to Consumer Protection about the ‘extras’ sold at the point of sale of a vehicle which can include…
Read More Doubts about the value of car sale add-ons
Following the slew of financial scandals Australians have faced in recent years, consumer advocates say that Australians need simple and accessible justice with reformed Ombudsman services. The Review of the Financial System External Dispute Resolution and Complaints Framework (Ramsay Review), led by Professor Ian Ramsay, today released its interim report. In response to the review,…
Read More Victims of financial scandals need simple justice – response to Ramsay EDR Review
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Consumer advocacy group CHOICE has welcomed the establishment of a Senate Inquiry that will examine cases of wrongdoing in the banking and financial services sector. “Sunlight is the best disinfectant. This inquiry gives us a chance to shine a light on the anti-consumer practices that are riddled throughout the banking system,” says CHOICE Head of…
Read More CHOICE welcomes inquiry into banking sector
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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…
Read More Financial Counselling Australia: Financial Counsellors Support Merger of FOS and CIO
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…
Read More ACCAN: New Coalition formed to end the data drought
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…
Read More Cooling-off periods for consumers don’t work: study
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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…
Read More CI fights for UN recognition of World Consumer Rights Day
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With summer fast approaching, wearing sunglasses becomes part of our daily routine, but are they protecting you the way they should.
Read More Sunglasses – more than a fashion accessory
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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.
Read More Ladder safety
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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…
Read More Gap in service: ACCAN and SACOSS release report on a lack of telecommunication services to low-income consumers
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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…
Read More Builders now have a new tool to add to their kit
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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…
Read More ACCC market study into new car retailing—have your say
