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An Australian fringe lending company is introducing payday loan “kiosks” which look like ATMs into Queensland shopping centres, a move that financial counsellors say could put financially vulnerable families at greater risk post the holidays.
Read More Payday Loan “ATMs” – A New Low in Irresponsible Lending
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Waste from obsolete computers and television sets (known as e-waste) is now a massive problem worldwide. To assist industry to comply with new legislation about e-waste management, Standards Australia is developing a new standard, AS/NZS 5377 – Collection, storage, transport and treatment of e-waste.
Read More New standard to manage the impact of e-waste
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Millions of consumers around the world transfer money to their friends and relatives abroad. The World Bank estimates that a total of USD483 billion was sent in 2011.
Many communities in developing countries rely on remittances sent home by migrant workers to meet basic needs. But average charges for this relatively simple transaction are unreasonably high, often 10 or 20%.
Read More New Consumers International report shines the spotlight on global money-transfer markets
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Ingredients in cosmetic products are classed as industrial chemicals, even those described as naturally occurring. To make sure these products are safe for the workers handling them, the environment and for use by consumers, the Australian Government assesses the ingredients used in the manufacture and importation of cosmetics in Australia.
Read More Ensuring the safety of chemicals in cosmetics
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The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has instituted proceedings against Excite Mobile Pty Ltd, alleging false and misleading conduct and unconscionable conduct in providing mobile phone services across Australia. Excite Mobile is also alleged to have used undue coercion in attempts to obtain payment for mobile phone services.
Read More ACCC takes action against Excite Mobile
The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) is dealing with an increasing number of disputes involving FSPs relying on electronic transmission to provide insurance policies to consumers. Electronic transmission is either via the internet or email.
Read More Electronic communication of insurance policies
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Households can look forward to the long promised but often delayed benefits of smart meters following the Victorian Government’s decision to go ahead with the rollout, due to be completed by the end of 2013. The decision, along with the additional safeguards announced by the Hon. Michael O’Brien, Minister for Energy and Resources, means the…
Read More Public education the key to realising the benefits of Victoria’s smart meter rollout
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Commonwealth, State, Territory and New Zealand Ministers responsible for fair trading and consumer protection met in Adelaide, South Australia, on 9 December. Read the latest in the Joint Communique : Meeting of Ministers for Consumer Affairs.
Read More Ministers welcome improvements to the Australian Consumer Law
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ASIC has commenced a review of the 2009 change that provides consumers with limited access to EDR in the early stages of debt recovery proceedings.
Read More ASIC to review EDR schemes handling of complaints when companies take legal action
CFA member CHOICE has accepted an appointment to sit on the newly-formed Retail Council of Australia to ensure consumers have a seat at the table when it comes to discussing reforms to the retail industry.
Read More Consumers have a seat on new retail reform body
CFA member CHOICE reviews the work of the Forum on Food Regulation’s response to the independent Review of Food Labelling. Half-baked they say!
Read More CHOICE gives food labelling changes mixed review
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The number of financial difficulty disputes handled by FOS increased by 130% (from 2,648 to 6,108). This continues a similar trend from the previous year. FCA is calling for action.
Read More Soaring FOS disputes highlights need to tackle financial difficulty
