Consumers' Federation of Australia

29 June , 2020

New research shines light on how consumers understand electricity offers

The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) and Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on Friday published Testing Comprehension of the Reference Price, research jointly commissioned from the Behavioural Insights Team (BIT). This research provides new insights about the ways consumers understand electricity offers and the AER and the ACCC will use these insights to consider how…

29 June , 2020

1 in 4 Australians are struggling to pay for essentials such as energy, groceries and insurance, adding to existing rent and mortgage stress

A new research report by the Consumer Policy Research Centre explores the global response to COVID-19, with nationwide survey of 1114 Australians showing people are drawing on limited resources just to make ends meet. 12 million Australians are concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on their financial wellbeing; 1 in 5 are ‘very’ concerned Almost…

26 June , 2020

New safety standard for aquatic toys

An updated mandatory safety standard for aquatic toys will help to better protect children using inflatable aquatic toys in and around water. Children, in particular young children who often cannot swim, are at risk of drowning if their inflatable aquatic toy suddenly deflates when air is released through the air inlet. The hazard increases if…

25 June , 2020

Consumers urged to look out for unexpected international transaction fees

Consumers should look out for unexpected international transaction fees when buying online from major brands, the ACCC has warned. Even websites with a .com.au domain name or that appear to be Australian based may process transactions overseas, meaning consumers can get charged an international transaction fee even for a purchase made in Australian dollars. The…

24 June , 2020

Rise in investment scams during COVID-19 pandemic

ASIC has seen a rise in the number of investment scam reports from Australian consumers and investors during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. Reports of misconduct received by ASIC from March to May 2020 are up 20% compared to the same period last year. ASIC Executive Director for Assessment and Intelligence Warren Day said economic uncertainty…

24 June , 2020

Coronavirus price gouging – what went wrong?

A CHOICE analysis has found over 1 in 3 Australians faced more expensive essentials at the height of coronavirus. The consumer advocate has also found freezers were a key item to face steep price rises as lockdowns came into effect. CHOICE’s Consumer Pulse survey** asked respondents if “the prices for essential goods were generally higher…

24 June , 2020

Working from home and cybercrime – how safe is my information?

Working from home has specific cyber security risks, including targeted cybercrime. The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has tips when working from home. Consumer groups are pushing for stronger cybersecurity responses from governments, internet providers and manufacturers, with clear and actionable guidance for consumers. Standards Australia has joined with AustCyber, industry leaders and the NSW…

22 June , 2020

Scams cost Australians over $630 million

Australians lost over $634 million to scams in 2019, according to the latest figures in the ACCC’s Targeting Scams report released today. There were more than 353,000 combined reports to Scamwatch, other government agencies and the big four banks last year. “Unfortunately it is another year with devastatingly high losses, and scammers are constantly finding…

19 June , 2020

ACCC directed to monitor domestic air passenger services

The Morrison Government has directed the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to monitor domestic air passenger services for a period of three years. The Government has consistently said Australia’s national interest is best served through having a sustainable, competitive aviation sector. ACCC monitoring will assist in protecting competition in the domestic passenger airline market,…

17 June , 2020

Why you should use a helmet when skateboarding or cycling

Protection given by a helmet for recreational activities goes a long way in preventing serious head injuries. The recently published third edition of the Australian/New Zealand standard AS/NZS 2063:2020 Helmets for use on bicycles and wheeled recreational devices addresses these concerns. The objective of the updated Australian/New Zealand standard is to provide lightweight helmets that…

17 June , 2020

Easier comparisons now available for foreign currency conversions

People who use foreign currency conversion (FX) services now have greater access to accurate online calculators to help compare prices, but the ACCC says greater transparency is still needed at a time when many Australians are sending money to family and friends overseas. The ACCC’s Foreign currency exchange services inquiry report, released in September last…

12 June , 2020

Major consumer-led energy reform finalised

The Public Interest Advocacy Centre, the Australia Institute, and Total Environment Centre today welcomed a ‘demand response’ reform of Australia’s electricity market that will improve reliability and reduce prices for consumers. The groups also welcome the AEMC’s decision to maintain the early, 2021 implementation date for the rule which they had advocated for. The three…