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Smart devices or Internet of Things (IoTs) have a significant role in our daily lives at home. A new report has raised the importance of increasing consumer awareness of privacy and consumer protection issues associated with IoTs since there is very limited legal protection for consumers who use these devices. The report Enhancing consumer awareness of…
Read More Thinking of buying a smart device for your home?
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The Government has today released a draft Bill to strengthen unfair contract term (UCT) protections for consumers and small businesses. This is a media release from The Hon Michael Sukkar MP, Assistant Treasurer, Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness, Social and Community Housing. It was originally published on 23rd August, 2021. The exposure draft Bill proposes…
Read More Strengthening unfair contract term protections for consumers and small businesses
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The independent committee that monitors the Customer Owned Banking Code of Practice (the Code) has released its Annual Report for a year marked by the ongoing challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and expectations of the financial services industry to embed extensive regulatory changes stemming from the Financial Services Royal Commission. This is a Customer…
Read More Customer Owned Banking Code Compliance Committee releases Annual Report for 2020-21
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Incorrect labelling and marketing of wet wipes and other items as ‘flushable’ has resulted in serious plumbing issues by contributing to ‘fatbergs’. Wet wipes and other items don’t disintegrate like toilet paper when flushed, wet wipes typically contain plastic so, once they reach the sea, they last for a long time, causing havoc with marine…
Read More Going down the toilet! – Have your say
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With many of us experiencing more time in our homes than usual, we need to maintain, or establish, behaviours and routines that promote health and wellbeing. Women’s Health Week 6-10 September 2021 reminds us to set time aside to evaluate our current lifestyle and participate in this nation-wide campaign of events and online activities – all centred…
Read More Women’s Health Week – prioritising women’s health
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Taking stock of your career and its trajectory isn’t easy. Six rising stars of the consumer movement took on this intense challenge during this year’s inaugural CFA Mentoring Program. Supported by their mentor and their peers, they have explored their career aspirations and the pathways for their personal and professional growth. At the end of…
Read More Congratulations to the 2021 CFA Mentoring Program alumni
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A coalition of the country’s leading consumer organisations is calling on Australia’s major banks to make significant updates to their industry code to improve outcomes for customers. The Consumers’ Federation of Australia’s (CFA) submission of behalf of the coalition to the 2021 review of the Australian Banking Association (ABA) Banking Code of Practice (the Code)…
Read More Banks can do better: Consumer groups make more than 100 recommendations to improve bank behaviour
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The independent committee that monitors the Insurance Brokers Code of Practice (the Code) has released its Annual Report for 2020–21, a year marked by the continued impact and disruptions of COVID-19, the torrent of legislation following the Financial Services Royal Commission and the unprecedented risk challenges facing the insurance industry. This is an Insurance Brokers Code…
Read More Insurance Brokers Code Compliance Committee releases Annual Report for 2020–21
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Arranging a funeral can be an emotional process, sometimes with added time pressures if the death of a loved one was unexpected. Funerals involve significant expenditure. It is an infrequent purchase, often during a stressful and emotional time. The decision-making ability of consumers is often considerably impacted by their vulnerable state, time constraints and cultural…
Read More Queensland Government funeral price transparency consultation now open
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When we make a complaint about products, services, staff, or the handling of a complaint we expect an effective response or resolution. An effective complaints handling system provides benefits to the public and the organisation and is fundamental to the provision of a quality service. Standards Australia has revised the standard on complaints handling and encourages views…
Read More Complaints handling standard open for public comment
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The majority of money remitters reviewed by the ACCC are now giving consumers the tools they need to easily compare the total price of international money transfers. This is an Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) media release, originally published on 10th August, 2021. The ACCC recently reviewed the take-up of its best practice guidance for…
Read More Money remitters improve price transparency after ACCC inquiry
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In a report released on the 11th of August, the Banking Code Compliance Committee (BCCC) highlighted serious concerns about banks’ failure to consistently comply with the 2013 Code’s guarantee obligations. This is a Banking Code Compliance Committee (BCCC) media release, originally published on 11th August, 2021. For the first time in a BCCC Inquiry, a sub-set of…
Read More Banking Code Compliance Committee critical of banks’ guarantees practices