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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

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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

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Three months after the ABC ran a story about virtual kidnapping scams targeting Chinese international students in Sydney, the National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC) has warned that the scam, which aims to threaten, intimidate, and steal from Chinese students living in Australia (regardless of socio-economic status), has more than doubled in number since August 2023.

Read More NASC Warns of Increasing Virtual Kidnapping Scams

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The Customer Owned Banking Code Compliance Committee (COBCCC) has recently released its Annual Report for 2022-23 (available here). There was positive news in terms of the preparedness of customer-owned banks to adopt the new 2022 Customer Owned Banking Code of Practice (the Code) which has been characterised as clearer and stronger in its commitments, especially…

Read More Improvements for Consumers But Concerns Linger Over Reporting Practices