A drawing of a piece of white paper with a pie chart at the top and writing at the bottom, both in blue ink. The background behind the drawing is a light grey with a shadow extending from the page to the bottom right. A drawing of a piece of white paper with a pie chart at the top and writing at the bottom, both in blue ink. The background behind the drawing is a light grey with a shadow extending from the page to the bottom right.

The Life Insurance Code Compliance Committee (Life CCC) prioritised supporting a smooth transition to the new Code of Practice in 2022-23, according to its Annual Report.

The Annual Report 2022-23, published today, noted how the work of the Life CCC helped life insurers to proceed with clarity in aligning systems, processes and practices to new obligations in the Code.

The new obligations and additional consumer protections came into effect on 1 July 2023.

Read More Life Insurance Code Compliance Committee Releases First Annual Report Under the New Code of Practice

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The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) yesterday released the second interim report for their 2022-23 inquiry into childcare. Included in the report are draft findings and recommendations on the costs, profitability and viability, policy, and effectiveness of market regulations specific to the Australian childcare sector – with reference to other OECD countries which largely…

Read More Market Forces Fail to Deliver Accessible and Affordable Childcare

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Original media release from the Hon. Mark Dreyfus KC MP (28/09/2023). The Albanese Government has committed to stronger privacy protections for Australians in its response today to the landmark review of the Privacy Act. Australians increasingly rely on digital technologies for work, education, health care and daily commercial transactions and to connect with loved ones.…

Read More Government to Strengthen Privacy Protections

Switchboard, open to the switches and with blue and black wires above and below.

From 30 September, energy bills will be easier for consumers to understand as energy retailers comply with the new billing obligations in the Australian Energy Regulator’s (AER) Better Bills Guideline.

Retailers must now include a ‘better offer’ statement on the front page of their bill. This statement must tell the customer if the retailer can offer a better deal, which could include the retailer’s standing offer, and include details of how to switch plans.

Read More Mandatory Better Bills Guideline to Simplify Energy Bills for Consumers

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Last week, Standards Australia hosted the ISO Annual Meeting  in Brisbane – the first time it’s been held in Australia for 20 years. Presented over five days in virtual, hybrid and in-person sessions with more than 4000 participants from over 140 countries (500 in-person) under the theme “Meeting Global Needs”. The event covered some of the most important issues facing the world.

Read More World Issues and How Standards Can Help

Energy Consumers Australia

The Board of Energy Consumers Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of incoming CEO Brendan French.

Brendan brings over 20 years’ experience in executive and leadership roles, with a focus on consumer interests in the banking, finance, energy and water sectors. On top of significant corporate experience at the Commonwealth Bank, he was previously the NSW Energy and Water Deputy Ombudsman.

Read More Energy Consumers Australia Welcomes New CEO