Consumers International Global Congress; Nairobi, Kenya 06-08 December 2023; Building a resilient future for consumers; supporting partners COMESA Competition Commission and Competition Authority of Kenya

Registrations have now opened for Consumers International’s (CI) 2023 Global Congress, this year held on 6th-8th December in Nairobi, Kenya.

This years congress is built around the theme ‘Consumers Together – Building a Resilient Future’.

Read More Registration Open for 2023 Consumers International Global Congress

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In 2022 almost all Australian Territories and States experienced substantial flood events with New South Wales and South-East Queensland some of the worst affected areas. Now, after months of coverage over poor and variable insurer responses to flood damage and coverage, the Albanese Government is launching an inquiry into insurer responses.

Read More Inquiry into Insurer Responses to 2022 Floods Announced

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ASIC has been successful in its action against Cigno Pty Ltd (Cigno) and BHF Solutions Pty Ltd (BHF Solutions), with the Federal Court finding that both companies engaged in credit activities without holding an Australian credit licence. ASIC also obtained permanent injunctions against Cigno and BHF Solutions to protect consumers.

The decision follows a series of appeals during the litigation, including an unsuccessful bid by Cigno and BHF Solutions to seek special leave in the High Court in December 2022 (22-360MR).

Read More Cigno, BHF Solutions Found to Have Engaged in Unlicensed Conduct

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A thematic review of how superannuation trustees are supporting their members under the Retirement Income Covenant has found that trustees need to make more progress to enhance retirement outcomes. The review was conducted jointly by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

Read More APRA, ASIC: Super trustees need to improve retirement outcomes planning’

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“Four years on from the launch of the payment difficulty framework in Victoria, we’re still seeing some really worrying gaps in the assistance energy retailers are providing to people who are struggling with their energy bills,” said Luke Lovell, Acting Director of Policy and Campaigns, Consumer Action. 

Read More More Support Needed to Help Victorian Households Manage Power Bills

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The Banking Code Compliance Committee (BCCC) is working with the Australian Banking Association (ABA) to coordinate with 12 of its members to ensure banking services offered through Bank@Post comply with the Banking Code of Practice.

Bank@Post arrangements provide a valuable face-to-face service, particularly as banks close branches, especially in regional and remote areas.

The BCCC wants to ensure, as a priority, that important consumer protections have been implemented for the services banks offer through Bank@Post.

Read More Banking Code Compliance Committee Prioritises Bank@Post’s Compliance with the Code

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The ACCC today published draft guidance to improve the integrity of environmental and sustainability claims made by businesses and protect consumers from ‘greenwashing’.

The draft guidance aims to address the concerning conduct identified by the ACCC’s recent greenwashing internet sweep, which found 57 per cent of businesses reviewed were making potentially misleading environmental claims.

Read More ACCC Publishes Draft Guidance to Improve Integrity Business’ Environmental Claims

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As part of the ASEAN-Australia Digital Trade Standards (DTS) Initiative, Standards Australia has launched the 2023 Fellowship Program. The program is designed to connect emerging professionals with leading experts in standardisation and digital trade across Australia and ASEAN.
Participation in the 2023 ASEAN-DTS Fellowship Program provides a valuable opportunity for both established and emerging professionals to meet, network, and collaborate with others in the field.  

Read More Call for Digital Trade Standards Mentors