People planning their retirement finances have two new tools to help them make informed decisions, a new retirement planning publication, Financial Decisions at Retirement, and an upgraded MoneySmart Retirement Planner, the online calculator that shows people how to boost their retirement savings.
Read More New tools to help consumers plan retirement
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CFA member the Consumer Action Law Centre has expressed disappointment with the Government’s initial response to the National Disaster Insurance Review (NDIR) Panel’s report which it labelled as ‘indecisive’. While the Centre welcomed moves towards a system which would see more Australians covered by flood insurance, it raised concerns about the proposed ‘opt out’ model and has lamented the lack of tangible interim measures in the Government’s response.
Read More Stronger response needed to ensure consumers are protected in times of disaster
The Commonwealth has accepted a proposal to introduce a standard definition of flood and compel insurers to include a flood cover option in all home and contents insurance. This will mean consumers (generally) get two prices in an insurance contract offer: with and without flood cover.
Read More Standard definition of flood in insurance policies + mandatory offer +/- affordability?
In its submission to the Consumer Affairs Advisory Council’s inquiry into .. the Automobile Association has provided detailed information about the cost of motor vehicle repairs – and there are worrying trends. Repairs have risen much faster than inflation, while new car prices have risen much more slowly.
Read More Auto repair problems get National Interest: service costs out of control; computers to blame?
Standards for toy safety ensure toys are hazard free and safe. They reduce the risk of a child being injured by unsafe equipment, dangerous substances and choking hazards. Current work by Standards Australia technical committee concerns activity toys, concerns about impaction and impalement, and projectiles, rotors and propellers.
Read More Safety of Children’s Toys
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The Consumer Action Law Centre has welcomed the Federal Government’s ban on credit providers making unsolicited credit card limit increase offers to customers, but believes that ambiguity in the regulations governing the ban will see credit providers attempt to evade and undermine it. The Centre has also warned that the Government will need to respond quickly to any such attempt if it wants to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the ban.
Read More Consumer Action warns government that new credit card regulation may require running repairs
ACCC SCAMwatch is advising Australians to ignore recent lottery scam letters requesting $25, credit card details, or payment by cheque in return for a false $15,000 windfall.
Read the latest SCAMwatch alerts from the ACCC
Read More New scam alerts: lottery scams and phishing emails
A national survey of over 300 financial counsellors has slammed the payday lending industry.
Read More Pay day loans harm our clients say financial counsellors
CFA member the Consumer Action Law Centre has taken its concerns about outdated and potentially misleading information on eBay.com.au to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) after eBay International AG (eBay) failed to respond to the centre’s letter outlining its concerns.
Read More Is eBay selling consumers short?
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The UK’s Consumer Focus reports that two major energy companies have permanently ceased using door to door selling in their marketing.
Read More Two energy companies permanently abandon door to door sales
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Whenever you turn on your television or computer, use your hairdryer, microwave or electric drill, you take for granted the rules and specifications that help manufacturers design products that are safe and work together as expected.
Read More Standards for electricity protect consumers
Communications Alliance has released the long awaited consumer protection code and now invites public comment.
Read More Telecommunications Consumer Protections Industry Code released for comment
