Hardship Archives - Page 5 of 5 - Consumers' Federation of Australia

6 April , 2020

Telco companies are failing people in financial hardship

Consumer Action Law Centre has released the following statement in response to a report by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) on fiancial hardhip in the telco industry. A report released this week by ACMA shows that telco providers are not adequately identifying and supporting customers experiencing financial hardship. The ACMA reports shows that…

2 April , 2020

Telco financial hardship policies critical during COVID-19

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is reminding consumers that there are options available if they are experiencing financial distress and struggling to pay their telco bills. ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin said that telcos have financial hardship programs available to support Australian consumers facing difficulties. “Telecommunication services are playing a critical role in keeping Australians connected…

30 March , 2020

Ecstra Response and recovery grants to assist community organisations during COVID-19

Applications are now open for a grant pool of $3,000,000 to be submitted by 30 April 2020. Ecstra Foundation is a new not for profit organisation committed to building the financial capability of all Australians within a fair financial system. GRANT OVERVIEW Eligible organisations may apply for up to three $100,000 grants Open to established consumer organisations with DGR 1 status Applications close 30…

27 March , 2020

Government must act to address broadband affordability as unemployment predicted to rise: ACCAN

The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) has urged the Federal Government to prioritise a specific stimulus strategy for telecommunications services to keep Australians connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continuing social distancing and self-isolation efforts have resulted in millions of Australians increasingly relying on their home broadband service. As Australia’s peak body representing telecommunications consumers,…

23 March , 2020

Energy companies’ response to COVID-19 must be rapid, coordinated and ambitious to protect consumers

Commenting after the COAG Energy Council meeting on Friday, Energy Consumers Australia CEO Lynne Gallagher welcomed the call for the energy sector to implement measures to relieve pressures on energy consumers. “It is critical the energy sector moves rapidly and in a coordinated way to implement measures to ensure all households and small businesses…

17 March , 2020

A little relief will go a long way for thousands struggling due to COVID-19

Consumer groups have released the following joint media release calling for companies providing essential services to support their community during the COVID-19 crisis. Widespread disruption caused by COVID-19 is being felt across Australia. It won’t be long before we have thousands of people trying to survive on a reduced income, worried about whether they can…

2 April , 2019

Hardship protections a right not a privilege

A new Customer Hardship Policy Guideline released by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) today will bring greater clarity and consistency to the support retailers are required to provide to their customers and new penalties will apply where retailers fail to meet their obligations. “More Australian households are experiencing difficulty paying their bills. We are seeing rising levels…

16 November , 2018

Assisting customers in financial difficulty

Banks have answered the call by customers in financial difficulty, but more will need to be done before 1 July 2019 to be ready for the ABA’s new and enhanced Code Australian banks have financial difficulty programs that, for the most part, meet the requirements under the 2013 Code of Banking Practice, according to inquiry…

17 December , 2014

ACCAN launches hardship portal to assist telco customers in tough times

Resource contains tips, links to organisations and hardship policies from major providers