Consumers' Federation of Australia

16 June , 2016

The changing telecommunications market: have your say

The Productivity Commission has published a press release, calling on people to provide valuable input into the Telecommunications Universal Service Obligation. The Commission seeks to change and meet the evolving demands for the future direction of telecommunications within the Australian market. Commissioner Paul Lindwall states that ‘currently we have in place a Universal Service…

16 June , 2016

Dangers of button batteries

Every week in Australia about 20 children present at hospitals after swallowing a button battery. Two children have died: in 2013 and 2015. When swallowed, small coin-sized lithium button batteries can get stuck in a child’s throat and cause severe burns or death. The statistic has prompted an alliance between consumer group Choice, The Parenthood and Kidsafe Queensland,…

14 June , 2016

Calling for nominations for the Deni Greene Award

The Deni Greene Award is now in its fourth year. Based on the success of the 2013, 2014 and 2015 Awards, it has a continuing relationship with the Bob Brown Foundation. The award was planned to run for 5 years, so this is the second last year of the award.

24 May , 2016

OECD E-commerce guidelines – a step forward for consumers in the digital age

Robin Simpson, Consumers International’s Senior Policy Advisor discusses the recently revised OECD E-commerce guidelines and their implications for consumers. The OECD published its revised E-commerce guidelines at the end of March. They form a useful outline for any regulator that is developing work in this area and a good starting point for consumer groups that want to evaluate…

23 May , 2016

Consumer groups welcome a stronger ASIC

Consumer groups CHOICE and Consumer Action Law Centre welcome today’s announcement of new funding and powers to protect consumers of financial services. In 2014-15 ASIC’s budget was reduced by $120 million over four years, in addition to an efficiency dividend of $47 million over the same period.[i] “Today’s funding announcement is good news for Australians.…

20 May , 2016

Comparing prices to get easier with new standard in development

In a price-conscious world, being able to compare prices quickly and effectively is a growing consumer demand. A new standard in development on unit pricing will help. Consumers are increasingly using price as a factor when making purchase decisions1. But with an explosion in product choices – a survey of an Australian supermarket, for example, showed it…

19 May , 2016

Medical Board of Australia releases new guidelines on cosmetic and surgical procedures

The Medical Board of Australia has released guidelines, informing practitioners who perform cosmetic medical and surgical procedures The guidelines follow a series of mishaps where individuals have been harmed by cosmetic and surgical procedures. These guidelines intend to keep patients safe whilst not restricting practitioners from doing their job effectively. The rallying support from…

12 May , 2016

Consumers’ Federation of Australia Consumer Agenda – Federal Election 2016

The Consumers’ Federation of Australia (CFA) is the peak body for Australian consumer organisations. The 40 organisational members and associated members represent the commitment to assist and provide services to Australian consumers. Members of CFA believe that Australian consumers are entitled to: › fair, effective and sustainable markets › affordable and equitable access to essential…

12 May , 2016

Children and consumer product safety: Current regime and scope for reform

The article below was written for the special 2016 Children Rights Edition of the HRLC Monthly Bulletin, Rights Agenda, developed in collaboration with the National Children’s and Youth Law Centre, King & Wood Mallesons and the Human Rights Law Centre. DISCLAIMER: Please note that material in this Bulletin (Material) is intended to contain matters which may be of interest.…

10 May , 2016

Consumers contribute to new Environmental label standard

Doing one’s bit for the environment has become a reflex for many consumers, who are attentive to the environmental impact of the products they buy. Environmental statements, symbols or graphics proliferate on products or package labels, which made it necessary to develop environmental labelling standards that take into consideration all the relevant aspects of the life-cycle of a product.

5 May , 2016

The price choice: Consumers want comparative pricing, The ISO Project Committee aims to deliver just that

Ian Jarratt, an Executive member from the Consumers Federation of Australia, is the leading voice on the ISO Project Committee, who are creating a standard on Unit Pricing. Today, he sits with us to explain the importance of comparing prices for consumers. The unit price…

22 April , 2016

Wiring rules standard now open for public comment

The important AS/NZS 3000 Electrical installations (also known as Wiring Rules) protects persons, livestock and property from electric shock, fire and physical injury hazards. The standard is being revised and is open for Public Comment until 20 June 2016.