Accessibility Archives - Consumers' Federation of Australia

6 December , 2024

Review Finds Systemic Failures in Insurers’ Internal Dispute Resolution

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…

12 November , 2024

Energy, Food and Water Security in Northern Australia

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…

8 November , 2024

Joint Submission Details Challenges and Fixes for IDs

Below is a joint submission made on behalf of: •Consumer Action Law Centre•Financial Counselling Australia•Financial Rights Legal Centre•Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network•Mob Strong Debt Help•Super Consumers Australia. This media release and joint submission was found on Consumer Action Law Centre’s website here: Our organisations welcome the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed changes to the…

8 November , 2024

Discrimination Case Settlement a Win for Travellers with Assistance Dogs, Calls for National and Enforceable Aviation Standard Continue

A Sydney woman with disability has won better access for assistance dogs on Qantas flights following a Federal Court discrimination claim. The Justice and Equity Centre and Maurice Blackburn Lawyers represented Rachael Fullerton after Qantas refused to give permission for her assistance dog Strike to fly with her. Strike is trained to alleviate the effects…

21 October , 2024

People in Hardship Targeted in Criminal Financial Assistance Scams

The National Anti-Scam Centre is warning Australians that criminals are impersonating charities and offering fake financial assistance schemes to target people experiencing financial hardship. No Interest Loan Schemes are offered by trusted charities such as Good Shepherd and the Salvation Army and are intended to support low-income earners and people in hardship who are experiencing…

16 October , 2024

Consumer Advocates Welcome Government Announcement on Unfair Trading and Consultations

The two major consumer protections announced today -the ban on unfair trading and consultation on penalties for breaches by traders and service providers of the consumer guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law- will help create a fairer marketplace for all Australians. That’s the verdict of Consumer Action Law Centre CEO Stephanie Tonkin who welcomed the announcement from…

2 October , 2024

Advocates Welcome Establishment of ‘equal access’ Costs Model for Federal Discrimination Law Claims

The Justice and Equity Centre welcomes the passing of the Australian Human Rights Commission Amendment (Costs Protection) Bill 2023, which establishes an ‘equal access’ costs model for federal discrimination law claims. This is a reform we proposed with our partners at Grata Fund, to improve access to justice for people who have endured sexual harassment or discrimination…

1 October , 2024

Strengthening Food Security in Remote First Nations Communities

ICAN is united with CHOICE, Community Credit Legal Service Western Australia (CCLSWA), Financial Counselling Australia (FCA), Financial Rights Legal Centre (FRLC), and Mob Strong Debt Help, in supporting the proposed National Strategy for Food Security in Remote First Nations Communities. We believe this Strategy is a significant step forward in addressing the critical issue of…

18 September , 2024

National Anti-Scam Centre Launches Online Scamwatch Advice in 17 Languages

Important advice about how people in Australia can protect themselves from scams is now available online in an additional 17 languages other than English on the National Anti-Scam Centre’s Scamwatch website. The new in-language videos and updated written advice on how to spot and avoid scams will make Scamwatch an even more useful resource for culturally and linguistically…

18 September , 2024

Consumer Groups Call on NIAA to Strengthen Remote Food Security Strategy

Mandatory code of practice, subsidies for food transportation and increased income support needed A coalition of consumer and indigenous groups is calling on the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) to better protect vulnerable residents in remote areas. The organisations have welcomed the proposed National Strategy for Food Security in Remote First Nations Communities, but they…

13 September , 2024

Collaboration to Support Cash-in-Transit Services Given Interim Authorisation

The ACCC has granted authorisation to allow the Australian Banking Association (ABA), its member banks, Australia Post, retailers, supermarkets and other industry participants to collaborate so they can ensure there is continuity of cash-in-transit services.The ACCC’s authorisation allows the parties to collaborate and prepare for any suspension or disruption of cash-in-transit services.“It is important that…

12 September , 2024

CPRC Webinar: Untapped Power of Unpublished Data

The Consumer Policy Research Centre is hosting a webinar, Untapped power of unpublished data, to “unveil the findings of our latest research into the publication practices of consumer complaints data among Australian regulators”. The webinar is scheduled for September 24 from 4:00pm to 5:00pm AEST and you can register for the event here. Erin Turner,…