Consumer protection

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A new mandatory safety standard for portable non-aerosol fire extinguishers, published today, will improve existing performance and identification requirements, to reduce the risk of a fire extinguisher not operating correctly during a fire. This is a media release from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC). It was originally published on 20th December, 2021. The new standard, issued…

Read More New safety standard for portable non-aerosol fire extinguishers

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Victoria is leading a national consultation on behalf of all Australian Health Ministers on the use of the title surgeon by medical practitioners under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (National Law).  This is a duplication of contact from the Department of Health. It was received on 13th December, 2021. Health ministers are concerned that the regulatory framework…

Read More Medical practitioners’ use of the title surgeon under the National Law

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The ACCC is calling for funeral businesses to review their contracts and pricing practices to ensure they comply with consumer and competition laws, in a new report on the funeral services industry. This is a media release from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC). It was originally published on 2nd December, 2021. The report, released today, highlights key issues of…

Read More Funeral industry practices raise consumer concerns

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The Treasury has released the Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (CRIS): Supporting business through improvements to mandatory standards regulation under the Australian Consumer Law. The CRIS considers options to improve the regulatory framework for mandatory standards under the Australian Consumer Law with a focus on minimising compliance costs for business while maintaining consumer protections. Treasury is seeking feedback on…

Read More Supporting business through improvements to mandatory standards regulation under Australia Consumer Law – Feedback invited

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The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) today released a report on systemic investigations into fraud enabled through phone and internet accounts. This is a media release from the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO). It was originally published on 24th November, 2021. The report “Defending phone and internet accounts from fraudsters” shares the TIO’s findings on fraudsters being able to access telco…

Read More “Defending phone and internet accounts from fraudsters” report released

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Over 90 per cent of identified unsafe product listings were removed within two business days by online businesses signed up to the Australian Product Safety Pledge. This is a media release from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC). It was originally published on 19th November, 2021. The voluntary initiative commits signatories to 12 product safety actions, that go…

Read More ACCC’s product safety pledge improves consumer safety online

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More than 350 partners across government, private and community organisations have joined the fight against scams in this year’s national Scams Awareness Week (8-12 November) under the theme “let’s talk scams”. This is a media release from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC). It was originally published on 8th November, 2021. “The more we talk about scams, the more awareness we…

Read More ‘Stop scams. Speak up’ – Scams Awareness Week 2021

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CHOICE survey reveals widespread public support for passage of Banking Royal Commission draft laws. “The Australian community has not forgotten the scandals of the Banking Royal Commission. However, it’s been two and a half years since the Federal Government committed to cleaning up the banking industry. Many victims remain without the compensation they deserve while…

Read More “Justice delayed is justice denied”: CHOICE on overdue Banking Royal Commission draft laws

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Australians are urged to take simple steps to better protect themselves from common online threats and cybercrime during Cyber Security Awareness Month over October. The 2021 theme is: “Do your Part. #BeCyberSmart” read more here, where you can view the Personal Cyber Security Series, How to Use the Internet Securely – A Guide for Seniors, and other cyber…

Read More Cybersecurity Awareness Month “Do your part.”#BeCyberSmart

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Australia’s telecommunications sector has published a strengthened Industry Code to better protect customers from attempted fraudulent transactions. This is a media release from Communications Alliance. It was originally published on 13th October, 2021. The Communications Alliance code – C666:2021 Existing Customer Authentication – provides an improved framework to authenticate the identity of customers making transactions involving their telecommunications…

Read More New Telco Industry Code Fights Customer Transaction Fraud

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The World Trade Organisation has confirmed that a specific article on consumer protection is to be included in a future international trade agreement on e-commerce. The article would require WTO member countries to adopt or maintain measures that proscribe misleading, fraudulent and deceptive commercial activities that cause harm, or potential harm, to consumers engaged in electronic commerce.…

Read More Consumer protection included in future international trade deal on e-commerce

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Injuries suffered by infants in prams and strollers have included wounds to their head or face, crushing injuries and amputations. Carers and children outside of the pram or stroller have also suffered crushing injuries and lacerations to hands. In some cases, fingers have been amputated, read more in the ACCC Prams and strollers: Safety alert which includes…

Read More Prams and strollers – draft standard open for public comment