and hand pumping hand sanitiser from a bottle and hand pumping hand sanitiser from a bottle

Consumer advocate CHOICE has written to the Victorian Consumer Affairs Minister Marlene Kairouz with proposed legislation to stop price gouging on essentials during a crisis. “The past few months have shown us that in a crisis, consumer protections for Australians are the first thing to go.” says Amy Pereira, CHOICE Campaigner. “We need strong protections…

Read More CHOICE calls for urgent price gouging legislation to protect Victorians in future crises

A person looking at a flights board at an airport A person looking at a flights board at an airport

UNCTAD is calling on governments to intensify efforts to protect consumers. Written by Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Director of International Trade and Commodities, UNCTAD. Global lockdowns to contain the spread of COVID-19 currently affect half of the world’s population and 4.5 million flights are expected to be cancelled until 30 June. The UN World Tourism Organization estimates that international…

Read More Airlines must respect consumers’ rights: UNCTAD

receipt over weekly shopping items

Grocery shoppers wanting to get value for money during the current economic crisis should be using the unit price information (price per unit of measure) provided for prepackaged products by all large supermarkets. Gerard Brody, chair of the peak consumer body the Consumers’ Federation of Australia (CFA), says “The unit price information shown on shelf…

Read More Grocery shoppers urged to use unit prices to get better value for money during the COVID-19 economic crisis

A conference room with empty chairs around a meeting table A conference room with empty chairs around a meeting table

Insurers must focus on creating an ethical, consumer-focused culture that is championed by the Board and underpinned by robust governance and business practices if they are to improve their compliance with the General Insurance Code of Practice, according to a report published today by the General Insurance Code Governance Committee. Living the Code: Embedding Code…

Read More Culture, Leadership and Governance – the crucial elements of ‘Living the Code’ for insurers

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The Consumers’ Federation of Australia has made submissions to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) responding to authorisation applications from NBN Co, the Australian Energy Council (AEC) and Private Healthcare Australia Limited (PHA). Businesses can seek authorisation from the ACCC where conduct risks breaching competition laws but is in the public interest. While CFA…

Read More CFA responds to COVID19 cooperation proposals from NBN Co, Australian Energy Council and Private Healthcare Australia

A wifi modem A wifi modem

NBN speeds and performance declined as Australians followed social distancing instructions to stay home due to COVID-19, but picked up following measures by NBN Co and streaming providers. The ACCC today released its first new monthly Measuring Broadband Australia report which tracks NBN network performance from February to April 2020. The report shows a recovery in network…

Read More NBN speeds recover after COVID-19 demand

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Today, Consumers International, UNEP and One Planet Network released their global assessment of recycling and sustainability labelling on plastic packaging.  The research found only 19% of assessed labels give consumers quality information to make informed recycling and purchasing decisions. In response, we have created five global recommendations for action to engage business, policy makers and standard setters…

Read More New Research: Plastic recycling labelling confusing and inconsistent

A close-up image of a green electric circuit board A close-up image of a green electric circuit board

The extensive growth in Artificial Intelligence (AI) programs by the world’s most advanced economies has highlighted the need to effectively use the standards process to promote, develop and realise the opportunities of responsible AI, delivering business growth, improving services and protecting consumers. Standards Australia has released the Artificial Intelligence Standards Roadmap: Making Australia’s Voice Heard. This comprehensive…

Read More Artificial intelligence – Standards Australia roadmap

A person walking though an airport pulling luggage. There are planes on the tarmac that can be seen out of the window behind the person A person walking though an airport pulling luggage. There are planes on the tarmac that can be seen out of the window behind the person

The Queensland Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is advising consumers wanting to make travel plans to be wary about ‘pay now/book later’ holidays in the current climate and to read the terms and conditions carefully. Fair Trading Executive Director Brian Bauer said that while regional travel restrictions may be easing, international travel restrictions were likely…

Read More Don’t rush into your next ‘pay now/book later’ getaway

Switchboard, open to the switches and with blue and black wires above and below.

Even when you think you know what you are doing, never attempt to do your own electrical work — it’s dangerous, illegal and can be fatal.  Compliance with standards in the electrical sector is a key element of safety in the community and industry. Consumers’ Federation of Australia has a representative on the Standards Australia Technical Committee EL-001 Wiring…

Read More Doing some DIY – beware electrical work

Triangular road signs with 'scam' written in all caps Triangular road signs with 'scam' written in all caps

Scamwatch has received over 2000 coronavirus-related scam reports with over $700 000 in reported losses since the outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus). Common scams include phishing for personal information, online shopping, and superannuation scams. Visit Scamwatch for details on how scammers target consumers and tips to protect yourself. If you have been scammed or have seen…

Read More Scammers use COVID-19 to take advantage of consumers across Australia