Consumers' Federation of Australia

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…

21 September , 2016

ACCAN launches new ‘Get Connected’ resource for consumers struggling to get a broadband connection

The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) has launched its ‘Get Connected’ consumer resource which includes a mapping tool and a series of useful steps for consumers who are struggling to get an ADSL connection while they are waiting for NBN to arrive in their area. Issues accessing ADSL services have become a common complaint…

7 September , 2016

Could you represent consumers on a Bicycle Committee?

Expressions of interest are invited for a volunteer Consumers’ Federation of Australia (CFA) representative on a Standards Australia Technical Committee reviewing a series of bicycle and bicycle accessories standards. CFA representatives on Standards Committees are volunteers who represent the interests of consumers, in forming and revising Australian Standards. It’s a very practical and useful way…

2 September , 2016

Is a banking tribunal really the answer?

Consumers Federation Australia along with the Consumer Action Law Centre, Financial Rights Legal Centre and Financial Counselling Australia have written a letter to the Prime Minister, Minister for Financial Services and the Treasurer in response to announcements of the Federal Government possibly instituting a financial services tribunal. CFA, along with other signed organisations have raised…

1 September , 2016

CFA publishes submission to the Productivity Commission

Earlier in 2016, the Productivity Commission announced its study on consumer law enforcement and administration. The study seeks to focus on the efficacy of the single law, multiple regulator model which provides the foundation for Australian Consumer Law. The Productivity Commission was seeking commentary and submissions on the existing model to publish within their Issues…

26 August , 2016

Standards Australia and Department of Finance combine to provide greater access to technology for Australians living with a disability.

Standards Australia in conjunction with the Department of Finance, Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) and other stakeholders, are pleased to announce Australia will be adopting an internationally aligned standard for ICT accessibility in procurement. Standards Australia CEO, Dr Bronwyn Evans, said that the new Australian Standard is to be used as guidance…

25 August , 2016

Protecting consumers in the Australian solar market

Australians love solar power on their roof more than any other country – data from the Clean Energy Regulator shows that Australia hosts more than 1.5 million solar power systems, the highest number of installations per inhabitant in the world. Despite this, solar contributes to only 2.5% of Australia’s electricity generation. Many more Australians will…

25 August , 2016

Now we’re cooking with Gas!

Gas stoves and cooktops are a common feature in Australian households, and are a fast and efficient way to cook. While gas appliances must be certified before they can be installed in our homes, it is still wise to be aware of the potential dangers. An updated Australian/New Zealand standard has recently been published which…

19 August , 2016

Standards Australia delegates attend ISO international workshop

In June 2016 Standards Australia (SA) delegates attended the ISO international workshop Global Services ISO standards as solutions which preceded ISO’s COPOLCO Meeting. Both events were held in Geneva. ISO has a strong consumer focus and believes that integrating the view of the consumer is important in standards development because it offers a real-life perspective,…

18 August , 2016

CFA releases updated Consumer Representatives Policy

Consumers Federation Australia is constantly listening to consumer wants, interests and needs. As such, CFA believes that changes are needed to ensure that we are meeting the ever changing consumer landscape. Recently, CFA made changes to the current policy on consumer representation. The changes are reflected within the document, available here. The new policy statement,…

9 August , 2016

Standards: The Australian Consumer Law Goes International

In May 2016, the Federal Government issued a consultation paper proposing that product safety standards from other countries could, in future, be mandated under the Australian Consumer Law. This change was probably inevitable, reflecting the decline of consumer product manufacturing in Australia and the growth of on-line shopping; but what will it mean for consumers?…

2 August , 2016

Recessed luminaires (downlights) – new standard improves consumer safety

CFA representative David Gray is on the Standards Australia Technical Committee EL-041 Lamps and related equipment which reviewed data obtained from incidents that occurred during the Federal Government’s Home Insulation Program, and data supplied by electrical safety regulators and industry participants in relation to thermal insulation placed over recessed luminaires. The committee identified that updating…