AusPol Archives - Consumers' Federation of Australia

18 February , 2026

Consultation on Draft Unfair Trading Practices Legislation

On 9 February 2026, the federal government released for comment draft legislation on Unfair Trading Practices. The draft laws would amend the Australian Consumer Law by: · introducing a general prohibition on conduct that unreasonably manipulates consumers or distorts the environment they make decisions in, causing detriment · providing protections against unfair subscription practices, including…

27 January , 2026

Consultation Opens for Supermarket Price and Loyalty Program Transparency

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…

11 December , 2025

Important Consumer Ministerial Statement to Federal Parliament

On 26 November2025, The Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP (Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury) made the first consumer ministerial statement to Parliament in 17 years. The statement, to the House of Representatives, contained information about a wide range of measures the government has taken, or plans to take, to better protect and…

30 October , 2025

Advocates Call for Immediate Crypto ATM Ban as Scam Victims are ‘robbed in broad daylight’

Crypto ATMs are a clear vector for scam activity focusing on older victims*, charging eye-boggling fees and causing massive harms – “the Albanese Government should do the right thing and ban them now” says Consumer Action Law Centre CEO, Stephanie Tonkin. AUSTRAC reports Australia’s crypto ATMs handle 150,000 transactions moving close to $275 million a year…

2 June , 2025

ACCC Expresses Concern at Proposed Agribusiness Acquisition

The ACCC has outlined its preliminary competition concerns with Elders Limited (Elders)’ (ASX:ELD) proposed acquisition of Delta Agribusiness (Delta) in a Statement of Issues published today. Elders and Delta supply rural merchandise such as agricultural chemicals, seed, fertiliser, animal health products and related services, such as agronomy services, through their retail networks. Both companies also…

29 April , 2025

Crossbenchers and community advocates push for increase to income support

Independents, Greens and other crossbench candidates are pushing the next government to substantially increase income support to tackle the cost-of-living crisis and lift people out of poverty. With a minority government possible after this election, crossbenchers have signed a joint statement with ACOSS and representatives from the community sector declaring that raising the rate is…

23 April , 2025

Cost of Living Crisis the top priority for 2025 Election

Consumer Action Law Centre has revealed a list of its top consumer-centric priorities to make life fairer and better for all Australians, ahead of the upcoming federal Election. “This Federal Election is all about the cost-of-living, and no matter who steps into government it’s vital that they prioritise relieving the harsh financial burdens now being felt by…

23 April , 2025

ACCC’s draft authorises collaboration on sustainable finance initiatives

The ACCC has released a draft determination proposing to grant authorisation with conditions to allow the Australian Sustainable Finance Institute (ASFI) and industry participants to collaborate on sustainable finance initiatives for five years. ASFI is seeking authorisation for itself, ASFI members and other industry participants to exchange information to improve the integration of natural capital…

22 April , 2025

Every dollar counts – financial counsellors launch election campaign

Financial counsellors have launched their federal election campaign – When every dollar counts, so does financial counselling – we can’t afford to wait. Financial Counselling Australia (FCA), along with all the state financial counselling associations, is calling for a commitment from all sides of politics to provide increased and more sustainable funding, particularly for face-to-face financial…

28 March , 2025

Research highlights consumer distrust in broken telco system

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…

17 March , 2025

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

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…

13 March , 2025

AFCA empowered to investigate all banks involved in a scam

Assistant Treasurer, Stephen Jones has announced strengthened pathways for victims to seek compensation where wrongdoing has occurred. A Ministerial Direction announced yesterday, will empower the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) to investigate every bank involved in the scam, both the sending and receiving bank. Consumer Action Law Centre CEO Stephanie Tonkin thanked the Assistant Treasurer for his…