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Customers needing life support equipment – such as kidney dialysis machines – will find it easier and cheaper to shop around for better energy deals under a new rule announced by the Australian Energy Market Commission. This is an AEMC media release, originally published on the 25th February, 2021. The change to the National Energy…

Read More New rule helps life support customers switch and save on energy plans

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Women are widely under-represented in developing the standards that affect so many areas of our lives, from the products we consume every day to the technologies needed to address a wide range of sustainability challenges. Many of these standards do not adequately address how women and men may be affected differently, for example ill-fitting personal protective…

Read More Women in standards development – International Women’s Day 2021 March 8 “Choose to challenge”

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Banks too often blame compliance failures on ‘human error’, according to the Banking Code Compliance Committee (BCCC). Between 2017 and 2019, more than 90% of breaches of the Banking Code of Practice were attributed to staff errors. This is a BCCC Media Release In a report released today, the BCCC has urged banks to take…

Read More Bank systems, technology, staff development and culture key to improve banking customer outcomes

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The Australian Government Treasury is undertaking an independent review of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). AFCA provides consumers and small businesses with independent dispute resolution for financial complaints. The Treasury will undertake the review and is to report to the Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and the Digital Economy by no later than 30 June 2021.…

Read More Review of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority

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In his annual address to Committee for Economic Development Australia (CEDA), ACCC Chair Rod Sims announced the ACCC’s compliance and enforcement priorities for 2021. This annual review of ACCC priorities for the next 12 months has become a vital component of the ACCC’s strategic approach to compliance and enforcement work and its delivery, as well…

Read More ACCC 2021 Compliance and Enforcement Priorities Announced

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Australia’s Energy Star Rating scheme provides consumers with useful information about the relative energy efficiency of a product. The more stars a product gets, the more energy efficient it is compared to other models of the same size or capacity. The energy star rating of an appliance is determined by its energy consumption, using the relevant Australian Standard for measuring energy consumption…

Read More Public comment invited on updates of the energy efficiency labelling requirements for dishwashers and dryers

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New and stronger penalties introduced under the national energy laws will provide a greater incentive for businesses to comply with laws designed to protect Australian electricity and gas consumers. This is an Australian Energy Regulator News Release The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) Chair Clare Savage said, “Consumers expect energy companies to play by the rules…

Read More Stronger penalties demand energy businesses prioritise compliance with the law

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Electric vehicles (that use minimal to no fuel) are becoming more popular and Australian consumers need to feel confident electric transportation will meet the challenges facing the Australian landscape, such as the size of our county or capability of our electricity grid.  According to the Australian Electric Vehicle Market Study Report Electric Vehicles (EVs) are expected to…

Read More Why an electric vehicle?

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A Consultation Paper on Aspirations for the Food Regulatory System was released in November 2020 by consultants on behalf of the Food Regulation Standing Committee. The Paper is available here . It is one of the interconnected projects that are part of the food regulation reform program initiated by the Australia New Zealand Ministerial Forum…

Read More CFA Responds to Consultation Paper on Aspirations for the Food Regulatory System

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A report on the sale of add-on general insurance products by the independent committee monitoring the Insurance Brokers Code of Practice (the Code) outlines the extent to which  and how Code subscribing insurance brokers provide add-on insurance products to their clients. This is an Insurance Brokers Code Compliance Committee media release The Insurance Brokers Code…

Read More Most brokers handling insurance add-ons well, but there is room for improvement: Report

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Not all cyber security risks can be addressed by governments and industry — individuals should also take steps to protect themselves. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how much Australians interact and work online, trusting the internet for healthcare, working from home, education, entertainment and online shopping. Protecting you and your family online is about more than avoiding…

Read More Cyber security — your responsibility