consumer education Archives - Consumers' Federation of Australia

9 October , 2026

Course Launch for the Consumer Advocacy Essentials

Join us for the launch of Consumer Advocacy Essentials, CFA’s new online course for consumer advocates. The launch event will feature a live panel discussion featuring ASIC Commissioner, Alan Kirkland and Consumer Affairs Victoria Director, Nicole Rich, as well as a first look at course content and everything you need to get started. Register here…

4 February , 2025

Cybersecurity – Safeguarding Australia’s future

Criminals commit cybercrime by using a computer or online network to target victims. Anyone can be a victim of cybercrime, from individuals and businesses to government, with far reaching consequences. On average, a new cybercrime incident is reported in Australia every six minutes. Ransomware alone results in up to $3 billion in annual damages to the Australian…

12 August , 2024

Top Consumer Tips to Beat Cost of Living Pressures

With ongoing cost of living pressures impacting household budgets, the Consumer Affairs Victoria has come up with some tips to help you become an informed and savvy consumer and to save some money along the way. When you shop, think carefully before you buy. Learn more about consumer guarantees here. Save at the checkout by…

27 June , 2024

Majority of Concessioners Not Aware of Energy Bill Concessions

A new independent report released by the Melbourne Institute: Applied Economic & Social Research at the University of Melbourne reveals that just over 35 percent of Australians have a concession card, yet only one third of them are aware they may be eligible for energy concessions on their bills. The report surveyed 3187 respondents, 1154…

25 June , 2024

ICAN Releases Literature Review on Economic Abuse in First Nations Communities

Today, ICAN releases its literature review: A study of local economic abuse in First Nations communities with a special focus on Australia and Canada. The study was undertaken by Professor Jerry Buckland from the Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) and Carmen Daniels, Research Manager at ICAN. ICAN’s purpose in undertaking the research, was to review the literature…

21 June , 2024

Using behavioural insights to improve International Money Transfer calculators

Every year, Australians transfer an estimated $21 billion to family and friends overseas, making use of international money transfer (IMT) services. However, IMT pricing is complex and often not transparent for consumers. To assist businesses supplying IMT services, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission issued best practice guidance, aimed at improving how IMT offers are…

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…

17 May , 2024

Productivity Commission National Competition Policy Reforms Submission

Consumers’ Federation of Australia (CFA) and CHOICE has made a submission to the Productivity Commission about future National Competition Policy reforms. The submission stresses the need to analyse potential policy reforms with a focus on their effects on consumers and households, urging the Commission to prioritise understanding how different groups might be affected. The submission’s…

15 May , 2024

Free and accessible Artificial Intelligence course

The free ‘Introduction to Artificial Intelligence’ course provided by CSIRO National AI Centre (NAIC) will cover what AI is, common terminologies, real-world applications of AI, Australian AI case studies, advice from industry experts to start your career in AI, and more. The two-and-a-half-hour course provides a non-technical introduction to AI fundamentals and is designed for…

8 May , 2024

New Toppling Furniture Laws Introduced

Furniture suppliers will be required to provide safety warnings to consumers about the dangers of toppling furniture hazards, after the Assistant Treasurer, the Hon. Stephen Jones, made a new information standard for toppling furniture. Since 2000, 28 people, including 17 children under five, have died in Australia from toppling furniture, and each year more than 900…

7 May , 2024

US Consumer Protection Body Publishes Research Finding Higher Price Complexity Leads to Consumers Paying More

The United States of America’s Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has published a new report, Price Complexity in Laboratory Markets, which indicates that complex pricings, or costs separated into various sub-prices, are typically more expensive and harder to compare – leading to consumers paying more. Based on the CFPB’s previous research, this increased complexity and…

3 May , 2024

Scam Alert Issued by ASIC as Scammers Change Methods

ASIC is warning consumers about an increase in the sophistication of fake bond and term deposit scams where scammers are impersonating little-known legitimate financial services businesses, often those without a website or digital footprint. Scammers are mirroring real businesses’ disclosure documents, addresses, International Securities Identification Numbers (ISINs), Australian business numbers (ABNs) and Australian financial services…