Consumer Law Archives - Consumers' Federation of Australia

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,…

18 June , 2025

Optus Admits to Unconscionable Conduct, Advocates Welcome ACCC Action but Highlight Need for Strong Telco Regulation

Australia’s peak communications consumer body, ACCAN, has welcomed news that Optus will pay one of the largest consumer law penalties in Australian history – a $100 million fine, subject to court approval, for unconscionable conduct. ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett said, “Unconscionable conduct is a high bar and one that Optus has spectacularly surpassed in its behaviour…

18 June , 2025

Advocates Welcome ACCC Review into Unsolicited Selling

Consumer Action Law Centre CEO, Stephanie Tonkin says she is thrilled by the decision of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to launch a detailed review into the national impact and harms of unsolicited selling, consultation which opens today. “This decision by our national, economy-wide regulator shows the dynamic power of the ‘designated complaint’ super-complaint…

13 June , 2025

Mable admits unfair contract terms a breach of consumer law

Online services platform Mable Technologies Pty Ltd (Mable) has admitted to breaching the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) by using unfair contract terms when connecting people seeking care support to independent support workers. Support services facilitated through Mable include social support, domestic support, nursing services and allied health services. Clients using the platform include participants on…

9 May , 2025

Infringement notices issued for button battery information standard breaches

Australian fast-food franchise Hungry Jack’s Pty Ltd has paid penalties totalling $150,240 after the ACCC issued it with eight infringement notices for alleged breaches of the Australian Consumer Law by failing to comply with the mandatory button battery information standard. The infringement notices relate to a Garfield toy powered by button batteries that was supplied…

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…

21 March , 2025

Draft for the new Aviation Customer Rights Charter may be weaker than the consumer law

Today [12/03/2025], CHOICE is releasing its submission to the Federal Government’s consultation on the draft Aviation Customer Rights Charter (the Charter). While the draft Charter represents an important step in the right direction, it needs more work to give consumers clear, comprehensive and strong rights when flights don’t go to plan. “The draft Charter may…

14 February , 2025

Advocates welcome scam laws, but highlight need for reimbursement

Consumer advocates say the passing of the Scams Prevention Framework (SPF) fills a gaping hole in the law and in time should protect many Australians from falling victim to the scourge of scams. But thousands of future victims -many of whom will lose everything to sophisticated scams- have an uphill battle for redress. “I am…

6 January , 2025

Aviation Charter of Rights needs more to take off: CHOICE

CHOICE responds to the Federal Government’s announcement releasing the draft Aviation Customer Rights Charter for public consultation. Quotes attributable to Rosie Thomas, Director of Campaigns at CHOICE: “CHOICE welcomes the release of a proposed Aviation Customer Rights Charter. The announcement is an important step towards giving consumers clear rights when flights don’t go to plan.”…

16 December , 2024

Consumer Affairs Ministers Set 2025 Agenda, Consumer Protection to remain at the forefront

Commonwealth, State, Territory and New Zealand Consumer Affairs Ministers met on Tuesday 10 December 2024 to renew their commitment to strengthen consumer protections across the country. Ministers attending the meeting, chaired by Commonwealth Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones, acknowledged the substantial progress on key reforms to the Australian Consumer Law over the past year, including work to strengthen…

20 November , 2024

Consultations Open on Proposed Unfair Trading Prohibitions

Building on an earlier consultation regarding the extent and nature of unfair trading practices in Australia, the Federal Government is seeking feedback on the proposed design of both general and specific prohibitions on unfair practices. Currently proposed changes to the Australian Consumer Law are based on both general in-principal amendments and some specific prohibitions targeting…

16 October , 2024

Consumer Advocates Welcome Government Announcement on Unfair Trading and Consultations

The two major consumer protections announced today -the ban on unfair trading and consultation on penalties for breaches by traders and service providers of the consumer guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law- will help create a fairer marketplace for all Australians. That’s the verdict of Consumer Action Law Centre CEO Stephanie Tonkin who welcomed the announcement from…