Consumers' Federation of Australia

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…

25 January , 2023

Household appliances – are they safe?

With the increased cost of living highlighted by growing inflation and interest rates, there is concern consumers may look for cheaper home electrical appliances, such as electric blankets, heaters, fans and other items by shopping online or purchasing while overseas. Purchasing, and using, electrical items that do not meet Australia’s strict standards represents a critical…

25 January , 2023

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Standing Data Consultation Paper

Electric vehicle (EV) charging is set to transform our electricity systems. The Energy Security Board (ESB) has published a consultation paper on Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Standing Data, seeking stakeholder feedback on the rationale for data collection, the potential scope of EVSE data coverage, potential data use cases and a range of implementation options including the collection…

25 January , 2023

Insurance premiums in northern Australia remain high ahead of insurers joining reinsurance pool

Insurance affordability remains a significant issue in northern Australia and other high cyclone risk areas, according to the ACCC’s first insurance monitoring report. This is a media release from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC). It was originally published on 20th December, 2022. The report finds that policyholders in those regions face much higher premiums on…

25 January , 2023

Feed-back sought on the transformation of Australian Food Systems

CSIRO is seeking feedback on a Discussion Paper – Transforming Australian Food Systems. The closing date for feedback is 7 February 2023. Information about the project and a copy of the Discussion Paper are available here. The Discussion Paper presents a guide towards enabling the transformation that is necessary across Australia’s food systems, to reach…

24 January , 2023

Job Advertisement: CFA Communications and Administration Officer

Support consumer rights & advocacy across Australia Help the effective operations of a peak body Flexible role, including working-from-home (any location) and hybrid options The Consumers’ Federation of Australia is seeking a highly motivated administration and communications officer to support the running of this small but important peak body. You will need to be a…

12 January , 2023

Media Release: ANZ-Suncorp merger ‘tipping point’ in eliminating effective competition in banking

The Consumers’ Federation of Australia (the CFA) has labelled the proposed ANZ-Suncorp merger a “tipping point” in eliminating effective competition among Australia’s banks. In a submission to the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (the ACCC), the CFA says that if the ANZ-Suncorp merger is approved, there will be no limits on further bank mergers resulting…

15 December , 2022

Free solar advice for Australian households and businesses

Australian households and small businesses now have access to a free online solar PV savings calculator, backed by a $946,399 investment from the Australian Government and tailored to individual property needs. Led by the University of New South Wales and the Australian PV Institute and designed by engineers, the SunSPOT tool has been upgraded to…

10 December , 2022

National commitment to energy bill relief welcome news for consumers

Energy Consumers Australia has welcomed the energy bill relief measures agreed to at today’s National Cabinet meeting, saying they would help to curtail further price increases while shielding consumers from the immediate impact of high energy bills. CEO Lynne Gallagher said the package of measures would protect households and small businesses from excessive bill shock…

10 December , 2022

Superannuation trustees on notice to uplift complaints handling

Superannuation trustees are on notice to improve their internal dispute resolution systems after a targeted review of trustee compliance with the enforceable complaints handling requirements found that some trustees had sub-standard arrangements for managing complaints. Report 751 Disputes and deficiencies: A review of complaints handling by superannuation trustees (REP 751) outlines ASIC’s findings on compliance…

7 December , 2022

Feedback sought on ways to smother fire risks linked to lithium-ion batteries

The ACCC is seeking input on ways to reduce the significant fire and safety risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, which can overheat or explode, particularly when used, charged or stored incorrectly. An issues paper published today, will help the ACCC to better understand the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries and inform recommendations to reduce the…

7 December , 2022

Complaints rise as patronage increases, Ombudsman to look at public transport fines

Data released today in the Victorian Public Transport Ombudsman (PTO) Annual Report shows a 10 per cent increase in public transport complaints handled by the PTO during the 2021-22 financial year. “The increase in complaints we’ve seen is broadly in line with the increase in the number of Victorians travelling again on public transport”, the…