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Households struggling with the cost of connectivity would benefit from the introduction of new rules that would make it mandatory for telcos to offer a low-income product, according to the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN). The recommendation for new regulatory requirements comes as the peak body for communications consumers releases new research which examines…

Read More New report highlights need for government and industry action on telco affordability

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Australia’s leading Indigenous financial literacy organisation, First Nations Foundation has relaunched its award-winning online financial literacy training program, My Money Dream, delivering culturally-appropriate, contemporary education that empowers Indigenous Australians to take control of their financial future. This is a media release from First Nations Foundation. It was originally released on 25th October, 2021. Recently relaunched with an interface…

Read More My Money Dream: award-winning tech relaunches to chase financial wellbeing for young Indigenous Australians

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The Reserve Bank of Australia has said today that retailers should be allowed to pass on or ‘surcharge’ customers for the cost of buy now pay later, a move welcomed by Consumer Action Law Centre which has campaigned for better transparency for consumers. This is a media release from Consumer Action Law Centre. It was originally published on 22nd October, 2021. “The truth…

Read More Buy now pay later surcharge ‘reveal’ a win for consumers and retailers

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The National Measurement Institute’s (NMI) report on retailer compliance in 2020-21 reveals that 88% of fruit and vegetable retailers, 42% of meat, fish and poultry retailers, and 25% of supermarkets were not complying with their legal requirements when audited during a concentrated period during the year. Much of this post is taken from a media release by Queensland…

Read More Report finds many food retailers not complying with weights and measures laws

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Australians are urged to take simple steps to better protect themselves from common online threats and cybercrime during Cyber Security Awareness Month over October. The 2021 theme is: “Do your Part. #BeCyberSmart” read more here, where you can view the Personal Cyber Security Series, How to Use the Internet Securely – A Guide for Seniors, and other cyber…

Read More Cybersecurity Awareness Month “Do your part.”#BeCyberSmart

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Several CFA members including: CHOICE, the Consumer Policy and Research Centre (CPRC), the Consumer Action Law Centre (CALC), and the Queensland Consumers Association (QCA), made written submissions on the PC’s draft report on “Right to Repair”. The PC made draft recommendations on many aspects of this very complex and diverse topic. The CFA member submissions…

Read More CFA members make submissions to Productivity Commission (PC) “Right to Repair” Inquiry

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Australia’s telecommunications sector has published a strengthened Industry Code to better protect customers from attempted fraudulent transactions. This is a media release from Communications Alliance. It was originally published on 13th October, 2021. The Communications Alliance code – C666:2021 Existing Customer Authentication – provides an improved framework to authenticate the identity of customers making transactions involving their telecommunications…

Read More New Telco Industry Code Fights Customer Transaction Fraud

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The Financial Services Council (FSC) has today announced it will be introducing an enforceable FSC Standard to prohibit the use of exclusions and restrictive disability definitions because a member is employed in a high-risk occupation. It will apply to all default group life insurance in superannuation amongst FSC members. This is a media release from the Financial Services…

Read More FSC to ban occupational exclusions in default group life insurance in superannuation

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There’s a vast army of people in the Western Australian community dedicating their lives to helping consumers and tenants, and now is a golden opportunity for them to shine. With nominations currently open for the Consumer Protection Awards 2022, I would urge advocates and promoters of consumer rights to step forward and lodge an online…

Read More Time to shine in WA Consumer Protection Awards: nominations open now

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The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has welcomed today’s announcement by the Digital Industry Group Inc. (DIGI) of additional accountability measures for digital platforms in Australia. ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin said DIGI has taken an important step by launching the public complaints portal, which will support digital platforms’ compliance with the Australian Code of Practice…

Read More Digital platforms complaints process a positive step

“The intense battle against a persistent global pandemic revealed the absolute necessity of addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals in an inclusive way, to strengthen our societies, making them more resilient and more equitable” read more here. In this pursuit standards are more relevant than ever. On World Standards Day, CFA takes the opportunity to thank the CFA Standards Representatives…

Read More World Standards Day 14 October 2021 “Shared vision for a better world”

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The revised national standard on drinking water treatment systems meets WaterMark product certification which protects community health and safety, and guarantees to be suitable for use by you, your family, and your friends. Consumers’ Federation of Australia (CFA) supports a representative to participate on the Standards Australia Technical Committee WS-027 Domestic water treatment applications which revised the Australian Standard…

Read More Drinking water treatment systems – does it have a WaterMark?