Consumer protection Archives - Consumers' Federation of Australia

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…

3 October , 2025

Financial Counsellors Publish New Hardship Best-Practice Guide for Organisations

A new set of nationally endorsed Principles of Good Hardship Practice has been released, setting a best-practice guide for how organisations should support people experiencing financial difficulty. Developed by the financial counselling sector, the ten core principles focus on respectful communication, early intervention, and fair, compassionate support for people in hardship. “Too often, people in financial hardship…

2 October , 2025

Misused and Confused – Report Highlights Need for Information and Transparency

The Consumer Policy Research Centre (CPRC), with funding from Energy Consumers Australia, has recently released a report (Misused and Confused: Why information on large appliances falls short) on the practices around the sale of large appliances; specifically focusing on what Australian consumers are looking for (“reliable, affordable products with clear information on repair options, efficiency,…

2 October , 2025

Helmets for Skiers and Skateboarders – Standard Open for Public comment

Helmets can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries in case of falls or collisions. Most Australian ski resorts recommend wearing helmets and make them mandatory for children and participants in terrain parks or racing. The intention of helmets is to reduce the risk of injury to the skull and part of the head surrounded…

19 September , 2025

Federal government consults on proposed new protections for aviation consumers

The federal government is conducting another consultation on the proposed design and implementation of aviation consumer protections. The consultation being undertaken by the Department of Infrastructure and consists of two key elements: CHOICE’s media release on the consultation and the government’s proposals is available here: https://www.choice.com.au/about-us/media/media-releases/2025/september/aviation-consumer-protection-scheme-a-welcome-first-step-but-still-falls-short

16 September , 2025

Bunk Beds Standard open for public comment

Children are at serious risk of injury if bunk beds are poorly made or assembled. Serious injuries that can happen include fractures, concussion, and strangulation. Standards Australia has released a revised draft standard DR AS/NZS 4220:2025 Bunk beds and other elevated beds for Public Comment (see below). This Standard specifies strength, durability, stability and general…

12 September , 2025

Joint Committee Opens Submissions on Crime as a Service

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Law Enforcement has recently opened an inquiry into crime as a service – but why is that relevant to consumer organisations? Crime as a Service, also called cybercrime as a service or CaaS, includes things like the acquisition of personal information and the proliferation of fake websites and bulk emails…

9 September , 2025

New eSafety Commission Codes Focus on Child Protection

The eSafety Commissioner has registered new industry-drafted codes which aim to better protect children from a range of harmful and age-inappropriate content, including the clear and present danger posed by mostly unregulated AI-driven companion chatbots. Many of these chatbots are capable of engaging in sexually explicit conversations with minors, and have been alleged to also…

3 September , 2025

New consumer safety guide – Button Batteries

Accidental swallowing of a button or coin battery, by a pet or child, can result in severe injury or death, especially when the battery becomes lodged in the oesophagus. Standards Australia has launched a new free Consumer Reference Guide on Button Batteries to improve public access to the latest expert consumer advice aimed at preventing common…

2 September , 2025

Call for Expressions of Interest for new COBCCC Consumer Representative

The Consumers’ Federation of Australia (CFA) is inviting suitable applicants to apply for the role of consumer representative on the Customer Owned Banking Code Compliance Committee (COBCCC). Details of the purpose and conditions of the role, including renumeration, are as follows: Purpose of the COBCCC Purpose of the Consumer Representative A Consumer Representative to the…

22 July , 2025

Most Consumers Consider Communications an Essential Service

Home internet and mobile connectivity are now considered essential by the vast majority of Australians. Price is the number one factor when choosing a plan, yet few people are actively checking the market for a better deal. These are some of the key insights from the new Consumer Sentiment Tracker, commissioned by the peak communications…

15 July , 2025

Landmark Standard to Empower and Protect Children in the Metaverse

The Metaverse, an innovative complex virtual environment that’s emerging as the next online frontier, is fraught with risks to children including online bullying, grooming, and identity theft. The new landmark Australian standard AS 5402:2025 Children’s Safety in the Metaverse provides a framework for advancing children’s safety in the Metaverse with a focus on privacy and accessibility.…