Consumers' Federation of Australia

17 February , 2023

AGREEMENT REACHED ON REFORM OF CHARITABLE FUNDRAISING LAWS

Charities have long told their governments that they are wasting time complying with inconsistent and outdated fundraising rules across the states and territories. On one estimate, compliance requirements cost Australian charities more than $1 million per month. In their most recent meeting, the Commonwealth, state and territory Treasurers agreed to a set of nationally consistent…

16 February , 2023

New data reveals 44% of Australian shoppers surveyed are using unit pricing to reduce grocery spending

CHOICE shares tips to combat rising grocery bills with unit pricing New data from CHOICE has found 44% of Australian shoppers surveyed are using unit pricing to reduce their grocery spending amidst the rise in cost of living. “With cost of living prices continuing to rise, everyone is on the lookout for ways to save…

16 February , 2023

ACCC launches inquiry into deposit interest rates

he ACCC will investigate how banks set interest rates for savers, including differences in interest rate increases between bank deposits and home loans after the Federal Government directed the ACCC to commence an inquiry into Australia’s retail deposit market. “We welcome this direction from the Government to shine a light on the retail deposit market…

16 February , 2023

Landmark Privacy Act Review report released

The Albanese Government has today released the report of the Attorney-General’s Department’s review of the Privacy Act 1988. Strong privacy laws are essential to Australians’ trust and confidence in the digital economy and digital services provided by governments and industry. However, the Privacy Act has not kept pace with the changes in the digital world.…

15 February , 2023

ASIC publishes Framework to help deliver positive financial outcomes for First Nations people

ASIC today published its Indigenous Financial Services Framework (Framework). The Framework is part of ASIC’s role in supporting positive financial outcomes for First Nations people. A corner stone of ASIC developing its Framework was through extensive and thorough consultations with First Nations peoples, financial services industry representatives, as well as fellow Government Departments, Agencies, and…

14 February , 2023

Over $11 million back in the hands of Queensland consumers

Following a spike in consumer complaints since the pandemic, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has successfully clawed back more than $11.2 million for Queensland consumers in 2022, through refunds, repairs, replacements and other forms of compensation. More than 19,300 complaints were finalised by the OFT last year. The highest number of consumer complaints continued…

14 February , 2023

Country of origin labelling for seafood

The Australian Government wants your views on a proposed model for mandatory country of origin labelling (CoOL) for seafood in hospitality settings. Under the model, businesses would need to provide information on whether their seafood is Australian, imported/international, or from mixed sources. The government is committed to improving information for consumers while minimising costs and…

13 February , 2023

Consumer submission on CSIRO Discussion Paper – Transforming Australian Food Systems

The Queensland Consumers Association has made a submission on a CSIRO Discussion Paper -Transforming Australian Food Systems – which will inform the development of an Australian Food Systems Roadmap. The submission says that: In addition to considering written submissions, additional consultation should be undertaken with consumer and public health organisations prior to the preparation of…

8 February , 2023

Increase in phone and internet complaints in quarter two shows impact of Optus data breach

The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman’s (TIO) Quarter Two Complaints Report shows a 9.9 per cent increase in the number of complaints received between October and December 2022. Residential consumers and small businesses made 17,903 complaints, with more than half of these about mobile services. Complaints this quarter increased largely due to the impact of the Optus…

7 February , 2023

Have your say on Australia’s aviation future

Australia’s aviation industry is set to receive long term policy directions for growth and innovation, driven by the Albanese Government’s Aviation White Paper. A safe, efficient, sustainable and competitive aviation sector is critical to the economy and the standard of living of all Australians. Aviation connects Australians with the world and communities to each other.…

2 February , 2023

The New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC) is here to raise consumer protection standards

Launched today, the New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC) program seeks to raise consumer protection standards in Australia for purchases of new energy tech, including rooftop solar, battery storage, EV chargers, home energy management systems and more. Australia is a world leader in small-scale renewable energy generation, with over 3 million rooftop solar systems providing…

27 January , 2023

CFA submission cautions against ANZ proposed acquisition of Suncorp Bank

Consumers’ Federation of Australia has made a submission to the ACCC consultation, ANZ proposed acquisition of Suncorp Bank. The CFA considers that the proposed acquisition is likely to substantially lessen competition for retail banking services in Australia. We also consider the likely detriments of the proposed acquisition exceed any likely public benefits. CFA’s submission notes that ANZ’s proposed…