Regulations

The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) recently released the Review of the AER and draft exemption policies for energy networks, retailers, and for customers who may be affected by family violence (based on the advice of Safe and Equal). To view the documents themselves, or for more background into the review, please read the original on…

Read More Energy regulator requests stakeholder submissions after draft and review release

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Australia’s peak communications consumer body, ACCAN, has today called for the weak and ineffective industry-drafted Telecommunications Consumer Protections (TCP) Code to be scrapped in favour of robust and enforceable industry standards that better protect Australian consumers. Communications are an essential service – yet the rules which exist to protect communications consumers are failing in their…

Read More Time to scrap ‘consumer protection’ rules that don’t protect consumers

HOME SAFETY

eMobility Australia is issuing an urgent safety warning to residents and organisations in Queensland and New South Wales following recent flooding events. The organisation highlights the significant risks associated with lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes, e-scooters, and golf carts/buggies exposed to floodwaters. Floodwater, whether fresh or saltwater, can severely damage lithium-ion batteries, leading to potential fires,…

Read More Flood and high rainfall safety for e-mobility devices

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The 2022 Insurance Brokers Code of Practice (the Code) is currently under review. The National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) is actively seeking engagement with the review from the consumer sector and has provided the Consumers’ Federation of Australia (CFA) with funding to support the consultation. The Independent Reviewer, Phil Khoury (CKR Consulting), is examining several…

Read More Review: Insurance Brokers Code of Practice

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The past decade has been the warmest on record, and extreme weather has become routine in many nations, disrupting lives and livelihoods. At the same time, biodiversity loss and pollution are posing a growing threat to planetary and human health. It is increasingly clear that the impact of these crises is not just environmental, but economic and social too and is undermining progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To remain within planetary boundaries, we will need…

Read More A Just Transition to Sustainable Lives: World Consumer Rights Day 2025

Magnifying glass over the word 'facts', with 'facts' repeated for 12 lines.

Assistant Treasurer, Stephen Jones has announced strengthened pathways for victims to seek compensation where wrongdoing has occurred. A Ministerial Direction announced yesterday, will empower the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) to investigate every bank involved in the scam, both the sending and receiving bank. Consumer Action Law Centre CEO Stephanie Tonkin thanked the Assistant Treasurer for his…

Read More AFCA empowered to investigate all banks involved in a scam

Here to Help

Financial Counselling Australia (FCA) is reminding those who may be impacted by Cyclone Alfred, there is free financial counselling available. “Weather disasters can lead to unexpected financial problems, and some may find themselves in financial hardship,” said Louise Hayes, FCA’s National Coordinator of Disaster Recovery. “It’s important to know there are financial counsellors who can…

Read More Free financial counselling available to those impacted by natural disasters

International Women's Day 2025 MARCH FORWARD #MarchForward #IWD2025

This year’s IWD theme calls for action For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Action that can unlock equal rights, power, and opportunities for all, and a feminist future where no one is left behind. Central to this vision is empowering the next generation – particularly young women, and adolescent girls – as catalysts for…

Read More March 8th International Women’s Day 2025 ‘For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.’

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Recently Australia has experienced record-breaking rainfall and floods, generating the perfect storm for the spread of mould in water-damaged properties. Condensation in your home can cause damp, mould, and rot. This can cause rotting of building materials and, if mould spores become airborne indoors, harmful effects on human health. A new Draft Australian Standard AS-IICRC…

Read More Mould in buildings – New standard open for Public Comment

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North Queensland has just experienced another catastrophic flooding event, marking the second “once-in-a-century” flood in just six years. Ingham and areas surrounding Townsville were inundated, leading to mass evacuations, significant infrastructure damage, and tragic loss of life. The Herbert River reached levels unseen since 1967, overwhelming communities and causing widespread devastation. In February 2019, ‘The…

Read More Recent natural disasters highlight the need for ‘disaster qualified’ FCs

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ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb has stressed the positive impacts of a competitive economy for consumers as she outlined the agency’s priorities for the 2025-26 financial year. Speaking at a Committee for Economic Development of Australia event in Sydney today, Ms Cass-Gottlieb outlined the agency’s annual compliance and enforcement priorities which include working decisively on consumer…

Read More ACCC releases 2025-26 enforcement and compliance priorities