Consumers' Federation of Australia

8 March , 2022

Why do we need more women on standards committees? (International Women’s Day 8 March)

In a world designed by men, men’s participation in standardisation is twice as high as women’s. Many standards for products and services do not adequately address how women and men may be affected differently, and yet women influence between 64%-85% of all buying decisions globally. The use of standards and technical regulations are powerful tools to attain UN Sustainable Development…

17 February , 2022

ACCAN Welcomes 2021 Regional Telecommunications Review Findings

The release of the 2021 Regional Telecommunications Review holds promise for better connectivity for regional, rural and remote Australians, according to the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN). This is a media release from the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN). It was originally published on 15th February, 2022. The Regional Telecommunications Review is a tri-annual process which plays…

17 February , 2022

Super Consumers Australia welcomes Retirement Income Covenant

Super Consumers Australia says the Covenant will bring a much-needed focus to how super funds can support Australians manage their income in retirement. Now, attention needs to shift to how best to support people through the complex retirement planning process. This is a media release from Super Consumers Australia. It was originally published on 10th February, 2022.…

14 February , 2022

Learn how to spot a romance scammer this Valentine’s Day

Scamwatch is urging people to watch out for dating and romance scams after Australians reported losing a record $56 million last year, an increase of 44 per cent. This is a media release from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC). It was originally published on 14th February, 2022. Over 3,400 reports were received about dating and romance…

10 February , 2022

FCA welcomes tough stance by ACMA on unlawful spamming by Sportsbet

Financial counsellors applaud the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for imposing the largest penalty ever given a fine of $2.5 million on Sportsbet. This is a media release from Financial Counselling Australia. It was originally published on 10th February, 2022. The betting company will also refund customers $1.2 million after an extensive ACMA investigation found it had…

10 February , 2022

Phone and internet complaints decline for fifth consecutive period

The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman’s Quarter Two Complaints Report shows phone and internet complaints declined for the fifth consecutive period. This is a media release from the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman. It was originally published on 9th February, 2022. Residential consumers and small businesses made 18,386 complaints, a decrease of 14.2 per cent compared to the previous quarter, and 39.7…

10 February , 2022

New research finds Tinder Plus price discrimination is a worldwide issue: CHOICE releases open “love letter” asking Tinder Australia to stop unethical data use

Following CHOICE’s 2020 investigation into Tinder’s discriminatory pricing practices in Australia, new research by Consumers International and the Mozilla Foundation has found that Tinder Plus users in several other countries are being unknowingly charged more based on their personal information. This is a media release from CHOICE. It was originally published on 9th February, 2022. The research found that Tinder…

8 February , 2022

Morrison Government to deliver reduced premiums through reinsurance pool

The Morrison Government has finalised the design of the reinsurance pool for cyclone and related flood damage, following consultation on the draft legislation. This is a media release from The Hon. Josh Frydenberg MP, Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Australia & The Hon. Scott Morrison MP, Prime Minister & The Hon. David Littleproud MP, Minister for Agriculture…

8 February , 2022

A guidance guarantee for all: Super Consumers Australia calls for improvements to retirement guidance

Quality financial advice can improve financial security, give greater peace of mind and the freedom to pursue lifestyle goals. Super Consumers Australia has used this year’s Budget submission to call for the Government to investigate solutions to guarantee trusted guidance so all Australians can achieve these same goals. This is a media release from Super Consumers Australia. It…

8 February , 2022

An interview with Paul Loney: representing consumer interests in standards development for 18 years

A conversation with CFA Standards Representative Paul Loney about his participation in standards development, what his work looks like today and what keeps him excited to represent consumers. How long have you worked in standards development and can you tell me about some changes you’ve seen in that time? I’ve been representing consumers in standards…

7 February , 2022

SAVE THE DATE: World Consumer Rights Day 2022, Fair Digital Finance Forum, Monday 14 – Friday 18 March

Consumers International are hosting the upcoming Fair Digital Finance Forum, in celebration of World Consumer Rights Day 2022. This is a news item from Consumers International. It was received on 7th February, 2022. Consumers International’s Fair Digital Finance Forum will spark the first-ever global conversation around consumer-centred solutions in digital financial services. It will bring together diverse voices…

3 February , 2022

Life Code Compliance Committee publishes Own Motion Inquiry report

The Life Code Compliance Committee (the LCCC), the independent body that administers and enforces the Life Insurance Code of Practice, has released its Own Motion Inquiry report on subscribers’ compliance with the obligation for subscribers to provide customers with an annual notice in writing each year. The annual notice serves to remind customers of their…