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

A white computer keyboard. One key has the image of a shopping trolley on it A white computer keyboard. One key has the image of a shopping trolley on it

Thirteen consumer groups have joined together to provide a submission on the draft Buy Now Pay Later Code of Practice (BNPL code), developed by the Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA). While noting that industry codes can provide beneficial commitments, the consumer advocates consider inconsistent regulation among buy now pay later products and other consumer credit…

Read More Consumer groups say a self-regulatory code for Buy Now Pay Later lenders is no substitute for consumer protection in law

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UNCTAD held its first UNCTAD / ISO COPOLCO/ Consumers International joint webinar on Using standards as a tool for consumer protection. This webinar brought together standards experts and consumer agencies’ representatives to inform both communities about the work of COPOLCO and the standards it promotes – read the notes on the webinar here. Consumers’ Federation of Australia (CFA) has two representatives on the Standards…

Read More Using standards as a tool for consumer protection

A petrol pump reaching towards a white car A petrol pump reaching towards a white car

The Marshall Liberal Government will deliver real time petrol pricing to South Australian motorists following the findings of an extensive review undertaken by the South Australian Productivity Commission.  The Commission’s review found that while petrol price cycles still existed in those jurisdictions that did have fuel price monitoring, the presence of real time pricing data…

Read More Helping motorists find the best deal at the bowser

The text reads 'National volunteer week 18-24 May. Changing communities. Changing lives' The text reads 'National volunteer week 18-24 May. Changing communities. Changing lives'

National Volunteer Week is the annual celebration to acknowledge the generous contribution of the nation’s volunteers, especially during this challenging time. Consumers’ Federation of Australia (CFA) takes this opportunity to thank all the volunteers who represent CFA and put forward the consumer perspective on a range of bodies, organisations and committees, including Standards Australia Technical…

Read More Celebrating volunteers during National Volunteer Week May 18-24