Consumers' Federation of Australia

15 August , 2024

Advocates Welcome Extension of 3G Network

Australia’s peak communications consumer body, ACCAN, welcomes today’s joint announcement from major telcos Telstra and Optus that the shutdown of 3G networks will be delayed until 28 October. ACCAN yesterday called on the Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland to delay the shutdown due to health and safety concerns particularly with the ongoing access to triple zero services…

13 August , 2024

Australian Financial Complaints Authority – Consumer Panel Members

As a financial ombudsman, AFCA is a for-purpose organisation that provides a free service for individuals and small businesses. AFCA listen to and work with their customers and financial firms to find solutions to complaints which have gone unheard or unresolved. This is your opportunity to make a difference. AFCA is seeking interested Industry and…

13 August , 2024

Consumers’ Federation of Australia Farewells a Consumer Movement Icon

Following the announcement of Gerard Brody’s appointment as the new incoming Chair of Essential Services Commission in Victoria, it is with mixed emotions that the CFA Executive Team announce he will be stepping down as Chair of Consumers’ Federation of Australia (CFA) as of 15 August 2024. Serving as Chair for over 7 years, Gerard…

12 August , 2024

Top Consumer Tips to Beat Cost of Living Pressures

With ongoing cost of living pressures impacting household budgets, the Consumer Affairs Victoria has come up with some tips to help you become an informed and savvy consumer and to save some money along the way. When you shop, think carefully before you buy. Learn more about consumer guarantees here. Save at the checkout by…

8 August , 2024

Over 70% of Consumers Experience Poor Customer Service

CHOICE survey of 6000 consumers reveals many businesses are giving consumers the run-around A new survey of 6000 CHOICE supporters has found that almost 3 in 4 (73%) have experienced poor customer service from a business they dealt with in the preceding year, and 85% believed that customer service provided by businesses is getting worse. …

8 August , 2024

Consultation on TIO’s Proposed Changes to the Terms of Reference

The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) is proposing amendments to their Terms of Reference in response to the 2022 Independent Review, correcting drafting issues, and recent legislative change. From the TIO (original here): The proposed changes are limited to responding to recent legislative change, implementing recommendations from the 2022 Independent Review and correcting drafting issues. We…

6 August , 2024

Safety Warnings Issued for Children’s Seat Head Straps and Self-Feeding Baby Bottles

The ACCC is investigating the safety of aftermarket children’s car seat head straps and baby bottle self-feeding devices, after the Assistant Treasurer issued Safety Warning Notices for each of the products. The safety warning notices warn consumers of the possible risks of injury or death to infants and children associated with the use of these products. “The ACCC…

6 August , 2024

Advocates Continue Call for Reimbursement Policy as Scam Complaints to AFCA go ‘off the charts’

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) received a record number of complaints in 2023-24 after disputes to the ombudsman service increased 9 per cent to more than 105,000 for the year. Complaints about scams, online and personal transaction accounts, credit cards, and personal loans all saw significant increases. Consumer Action Law Centre CEO Stephanie Tonkin…

5 August , 2024

Job and Employment Scams a New Focus of the National Anti-Scam Centre

The National Anti-Scam Centre will coordinate a jobs and employment scam fusion cell to disrupt criminal groups advertising or offering jobs which do not exist. Job and employment scams are targeted to steal money and personal information. Scammers often impersonate legitimate businesses or well-known recruitment agencies. They use a variety of methods to advertise non-existent…

5 August , 2024

Keep Australia Beautiful Week – 5-11 August 2024

The vision for the future is for every Australian to feel inspired and empowered to take action that helps to protect our environment for generations to come. Keep Australia Beautiful has championed the Do The Right Thing message for over fifty years find out more here. You can personally make a difference while “out and…

2 August , 2024

ACCC Issues Draft Determination on Collaboration in Cash-in-transit Industry

The ACCC has issued a draft determination proposing to grant authorisation with conditions to the Australian Banking Association (ABA), its member banks, and other industry participants to facilitate business continuity planning in the cash in transit industry. The ACCC’s draft determination also proposes to allow the parties to implement business continuity measures in the event of, or…

2 August , 2024

Telco Accessibility Taskforce Accepting Expressions of Interest

The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman is establishing a Telco Accessibility Task Force to remove the barriers to effective dispute resolution in the telecommunications industry and improve the industry’s ability to address consumer issues. We are calling for expressions of interest to join the Task Force from cross-sector leaders and decision-makers at telecommunications providers, consumer groups, relevant…