Consumers' Federation of Australia

12 January , 2012 0 comments

New Consumers International report shines the spotlight on global money-transfer markets

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%.

22 December , 2011 0 comments

Ensuring the safety of chemicals in cosmetics

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.

21 December , 2011 0 comments

ACCC takes action against Excite Mobile

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.

20 December , 2011 0 comments

Electronic communication of insurance policies

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.

20 December , 2011 0 comments

Public education the key to realising the benefits of Victoria’s smart meter rollout

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…

15 December , 2011 0 comments

Ministers welcome improvements to the Australian Consumer Law

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.

13 December , 2011 0 comments

ASIC to review EDR schemes handling of complaints when companies take legal action

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.

13 December , 2011 0 comments

Consumers have a seat on new retail reform body

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.

13 December , 2011 0 comments

CHOICE gives food labelling changes mixed review

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!

12 December , 2011 0 comments

Soaring FOS disputes highlights need to tackle financial difficulty

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.

12 December , 2011 0 comments

30,283 financial service disputes at FOS in 2010/11, up 27%

FOS latest Annual Review has been released, with summaries in English and other community languages. Also published online are Comparative Tables showing disputes about individual financial service providers.

10 December , 2011 0 comments

Junk food ads: Is industry self-regulation making a difference?

According to the communications regulators, ACMA, it is unclear whether industry initiatives have resulted in a real reduction in the level of children’s exposure to food and beverage advertising on free-to-air television, and there is continuing community concerns around food and beverage advertising to children.