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A solitary street lamp illuminates the night, creating a moody urban atmosphere. A solitary street lamp illuminates the night, creating a moody urban atmosphere.

Road and public space lighting schemes’ primary aim is the safe movement of people whether in motorised vehicles or as pedestrians. Lighting is critical to creating a public area that is safe and inviting for users and appropriate lighting can provide significant community benefits. Standards Australia has released a draft standard DR AS/NZS 1158.1.1:2026 Lighting for roads and…

Read More Have Your Say – Lighting for roads and public spaces

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The Federal Government has released a consultation paper on new requirements for supermarkets to improve transparency about prices, promotions and loyalty programs. The proposals directly respond to recommendations from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s Supermarkets Inquiry, which found that current pricing and promotional practices often make it too difficult for consumers to assess value…

Read More Consultation Opens for Supermarket Price and Loyalty Program Transparency

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Many GP’s, specialists, public and private health care providers now offer a telehealth and virtual care service as an option to patients. There has been widespread adoption of virtual consultation, including telephone, video conversations or recording, or an interactive form of webpage. Many doctors and medical centres now offer telehealth consultations. If you have a…

Read More Telehealth and Virtual Care – Draft Standard Open for Public Comment

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Financial Counselling Australia (FCA) welcomes the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) new Vulnerability Framework as an important first step towards fairer treatment of people in financial difficulty but says the real test will be how it’s implemented. “The ATO’s Vulnerability Framework is an important step towards a fairer and more compassionate tax system. The next step will have…

Read More ATO’s Vulnerability Framework a Step in the Right Direction

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A report released today (August 7 2025) by the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) finds telcos are failing to consistently support customers in financial hardship and, in some cases, are unintentionally causing or making financial stress worse. The report, ‘Keeping connected: Experiences of telco consumers in financial hardship,’ is informed by a review of over 900…

Read More New Report Shows Telcos Continue to Fail Vulnerable Consumers

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Preliminary research commissioned by the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) raises alarm bells for policymakers and regulators. Findings point to widespread consumer harm and deep mistrust in the telecommunications industry. The polling, conducted as part of the first tranche of ACCAN’s consumer sentiment research, highlights troubling experiences of telco behaviour and unmet expectations. “Given…

Read More Research highlights consumer distrust in broken telco system

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Australia’s peak communications consumer body, ACCAN, has today called for the weak and ineffective industry-drafted Telecommunications Consumer Protections (TCP) Code to be scrapped in favour of robust and enforceable industry standards that better protect Australian consumers. Communications are an essential service – yet the rules which exist to protect communications consumers are failing in their…

Read More Time to scrap ‘consumer protection’ rules that don’t protect consumers

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Financial Counselling Australia (FCA) is reminding those who may be impacted by Cyclone Alfred, there is free financial counselling available. “Weather disasters can lead to unexpected financial problems, and some may find themselves in financial hardship,” said Louise Hayes, FCA’s National Coordinator of Disaster Recovery. “It’s important to know there are financial counsellors who can…

Read More Free financial counselling available to those impacted by natural disasters

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Financial Counselling Australia (FCA) has welcomed an ASIC report calling on Australia’s insurers to improve their complaints handling processes.   “We are disappointed but not surprised.?The findings from ASIC’s review of insurance complaints handling mirrors the experience of many financial counsellors supporting their clients through the claims process,” said Vicki Staff, FCA’s insurance expert.   ASIC’s review of…

Read More Review Finds Systemic Failures in Insurers’ Internal Dispute Resolution

A detailed shot of water flowing from a steel faucet, ideal for themes on cleanliness or plumbing. A detailed shot of water flowing from a steel faucet, ideal for themes on cleanliness or plumbing.

The Joint Select Committee on Northern Australia is conducting an inquiry and report on energy, food and water security in the north of Australia. Submissions are currently open to the public and will close on 31st January 2025. The availability (including cost availability) is of great concern to all consumers, but especially to those living…

Read More Energy, Food and Water Security in Northern Australia