consumer advocacy Archives - Page 5 of 10 - Consumers' Federation of Australia

5 July , 2024

Advocates Argue for Direct Regulation of Communication as an Essential Service

The ACCC response to the latest draft of the Telecommunications Consumer Protections (TCP) Code validates long-held consumer concerns about the suitability of self-regulation to protect telecommunications consumers. The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) welcomes and supports the comments of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on the May 20 draft of the TCP…

3 July , 2024

New ‘Designated Complainants’ Appointed by Albanese Government

The Albanese Government has approved three consumer and small business advocates as designated complainants. Designated complainants will be able to submit complaints to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) about significant or systemic market issues affecting Australian consumers or small businesses. When a designated complaint is lodged, the ACCC will be required to consider…

2 July , 2024

Consumers International Speaks With Intergovernmental Group of Experts for Consumer Protection Law and Policy

False information, widespread political change, budgetary cuts. These are just some of mounting issues facing civil society in 2024 at a time when the role they play is needed more than ever. Next week, Consumers International joins discussions at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) to discuss the role of consumer organisations, the value…

2 July , 2024

Consumer Representative – General Insurance Code Governance Committee

The General Insurance Code Governance Committee (CGC) is an independent body that monitors and enforces insurers’ compliance with the General Insurance Code of Practice. The Code covers many aspects of a consumer’s relationship with their insurer, from buying insurance to making a claim, to providing options to those experiencing financial hardship, to the process for…

26 June , 2024

Advocates Welcome Sanctioning of Westpac for Branch Closure

Financial Counselling Australia welcomes the sanctioning of Westpac for breaching the Banking Code of Practice when it closed its branch in Tennant Creek. The branch was suddenly shut in September 2022 leaving some customers with no access to money. “It was a complete mess and done with no consultation. Some people were unable to buy…

6 June , 2024

ACNC Releases the 10th Edition of the Australian Charities Report

Charities work across multiple sectors, but the Australian Charities Report is of strategic importance as it aggregates charity data (from 51,536 charities) to provide a holistic picture or ‘sector-wide’ view. Cost of living increases impact charities Our [the Australian and Not-for-Profits Commission or ACNC] data shows that cost of living issues had an impact on…

31 May , 2024

Consumer Representative Opportunity: ASIC Consumer Consultative Panel

CFA is represented on the ASIC Consumer Consultative Panel (CCP) and is seeking a new CFA representative to fulfil this role. The CCP assists ASIC to identify current and emerging consumer issues in the sectors we regulate; provides feedback on proposed regulatory changes; and through an evidence base of practical experience, inform the development and…

23 May , 2024

Consumer Representative Opportunity – Therapeutic Goods Administration

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is seeking applications from professionals with relevant expertise in medicine and science, and consumers with relevant expertise in consumer perspectives and issues. Successful applicants will contribute significantly towards the TGA’s regulatory functions by providing independent expert advice on matters across a broad spectrum of issues relating to medicines, medical…

20 May , 2024

ASIC Report Highlights Industry Hardship Failures

Some home loan lenders have made accessing financial assistance so difficult that more than one in three (35%) Australians dropped out of the application process at least once, according to a new ASIC report. The report, Hardship, hard to get help: Lenders fall short in financial hardship support (REP 783) outlines findings from ASIC’s review of 10…

6 May , 2024

Compensation for Cancelled Flights Should be the Norm

CHOICE response to announcement Qantas has agreed to pay $120 million to settle ACCCenforcement action. Quotes attributable to Rosie Thomas, Director of Campaigns and Communications at CHOICE: “Qantas agreeing to pay $120 million dollars and admitting it misled consumers after ACCC court action is a significant result. The proposed settlement sends a very clear message…

25 April , 2024

Global Experiment Reveals a ‘worrying margin of harm’ in AI Chatbots

23 April 2024 Last month we brought together a powerful cohort of consumer advocate groups, international organisations, business, government and civil society to call for Fair and Responsible AI on World Consumer Rights Day Friday March 15. AI is changing how millions of us experience the online world. Within just five days of the release of ChatGPT last…

24 April , 2024

2024 National Consumer Advocacy Award – Applications Now Open

The Consumer’s Federation of Australia (CFA) is now seeking expressions of interest for the 2024 Consumer Advocacy Award. Submissions close on Thursday June 6, so don’t forget to apply!