Consumer protection Archives - Page 18 of 38 - Consumers' Federation of Australia

20 July , 2023

Plastic Free July

Plastic Free July® is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities. Anyone can get involved, and you can start out small or really challenge yourself – find out what you can do by clicking here and visiting the Plastic Free July website.

18 July , 2023

Cigno, BHF Solutions Found to Have Engaged in Unlicensed Conduct

ASIC has been successful in its action against Cigno Pty Ltd (Cigno) and BHF Solutions Pty Ltd (BHF Solutions), with the Federal Court finding that both companies engaged in credit activities without holding an Australian credit licence. ASIC also obtained permanent injunctions against Cigno and BHF Solutions to protect consumers.

The decision follows a series of appeals during the litigation, including an unsuccessful bid by Cigno and BHF Solutions to seek special leave in the High Court in December 2022 (22-360MR).

17 July , 2023

More Support Needed to Help Victorian Households Manage Power Bills

“Four years on from the launch of the payment difficulty framework in Victoria, we’re still seeing some really worrying gaps in the assistance energy retailers are providing to people who are struggling with their energy bills,” said Luke Lovell, Acting Director of Policy and Campaigns, Consumer Action.

17 July , 2023

Banking Code Compliance Committee Prioritises Bank@Post’s Compliance with the Code

The Banking Code Compliance Committee (BCCC) is working with the Australian Banking Association (ABA) to coordinate with 12 of its members to ensure banking services offered through Bank@Post comply with the Banking Code of Practice.

Bank@Post arrangements provide a valuable face-to-face service, particularly as banks close branches, especially in regional and remote areas.

The BCCC wants to ensure, as a priority, that important consumer protections have been implemented for the services banks offer through Bank@Post.

11 July , 2023

Facial Recognition Technology in Use at Major Australian Stadiums

Almost exactly a year after their article on Kmart, Bunnings, and the Good Guys’ use of facial recognition technology (FRT) in stores across Australia, CHOICE has released another article on the use of FRTs in a number of major stadiums across Australia.

11 July , 2023

Socialisation Vs. Risk of Infection: New Aged Care Visitor Code Strikes Right Balance

The revised Sector Code for Visiting in Aged Care Homes released today strikes the right balance between protecting against the risk of infection and ensuring older Australians are not left socially isolated.

10 July , 2023

ACCC Inquiry Invites Views on Data Broker Industry

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is calling on consumers, businesses and interested stakeholders to provide submissions about data broker services in Australia, as part of its five-year digital platform services inquiry.

7 July , 2023

Direct Regulation for Financial Hardship – ACMA Puts Telco Industry on Notice

The ACMA and consumer advocacy groups have welcomed the move by the Federal Government to empower the regulator to make and enforce financial hardship standards.

30 June , 2023

ACMA Names Consumer Protections a Priority for 2023-24

Minimising gambling harm, combating SMS scams, tackling online supply of dodgy devices and enforcing spam unsubscribe rules have been identified as some of the key compliance priorities for the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) in 2023–24.

29 June , 2023

Financial Counsellors Welcome Proposal to Ban Gambling Ads and Inducements

Financial Counselling Australia (FCA) welcomes the recommendations made by a Government inquiry into online gambling harm, saying the committee has heard the concerns of financial counsellors and the community, and responded.

29 June , 2023

Free Strata Insurance Handbook Released

John Trowbridge, a consultant and insurance industry expert who has been conducting an independent review into strata insurance, has released a handbook for navigating strata insurance, available for free here. The Disclosure Handbook is designed as a reference guide for owners, strata committees, strata managers and brokers. It has been prepared on completion of an…

27 June , 2023

“Current rules no longer fit for purpose”: TIO Calls for New Rules to Better Protect Consumers

The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) has released the report ‘A time for change – Three years of systemic investigations in review’, calling for improved consumer protections through stronger regulation in the telco sector, and the establishment of a registration scheme for telcos.