Consumer protection Archives - Page 25 of 38 - Consumers' Federation of Australia

3 June , 2021

UK’s Financial Conduct Authority proposes a new “consumer duty” – is it needed in Australia?

The UK’s financial services conduct regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), wants “higher level of consumer protection in retail financial markets, where firms are competing vigorously in the interests of consumers”. A key part of this is a new ‘Consumer Duty’. The consultation proposes: a new Consumer Principle that provides an overarching standard of conduct; and a set of Crosscutting Rules and four Outcomes that…

26 May , 2021

Tougher rules banning aggressive energy & solar sales a big win for all Victorians

Consumer Action has welcomed the Victorian Government’s announcement today that it is banning high-pressure sales tactics like unsolicited door-to-door sales and cold-calling to protect people from being taken advantage of by energy retailers. The Victorian Government has also announced plans to ban door-to-door sales of solar panels through the Solar Homes Program. This is a Consumer Action Law Centre media release, originally published on 25th…

19 May , 2021

CFA & ACCC Consumer Advocacy Showcase & Award Winners

On Monday 12 April, Consumers’ Federation Australia (CFA) and the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) co-hosted the Consumer Advocacy Showcase & Award, in the final online session for the 2021 ACCC National Consumer Congress. The Showcase celebrates effective and good practice within consumer advocacy. The joint-winners were Fiona Guthrie, with Who’s Making Australians Bankrupt?; and Matthias Oldham, with Junk Insurance…

12 May , 2021

Federal Budget “a step towards fairer super”

Super Consumers acknowledges positive steps, with the reforms to deliver fairer super outcomes for women and additional funding for consumer advocacy “Tonight’s budget is a step towards fairer super”, says Xavier O’Halloran, director of Super Consumers Australia. “We welcome the progress made. Financial comfort in retirement is key to people’s wellbeing. Nobody should be left…

3 May , 2021

New guide to choosing and using mobility scooters & powered wheelchairs

Each year, over 1,000 Australians are admitted to hospital due to incidents involving mobility scooters. Almost all these injuries occur to device users, but there are also concerns about wider community safety due to the increasing use of these devices. The updated ‘Guide to choosing and using mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs’ helps consumers: Decide whether a…

28 April , 2021

Losses to car ad scams climbing

Australians have already lost over $288,000 to vehicle scams in the first quarter of this year, more than all losses reported to Scamwatch in 2019, and scammers have now begun impersonating defence personnel to con their victims. This is an ACCC media release, originally published on 27th April, 2021. In a vehicle scam, scammers post fake…

9 April , 2021

Banks unite to help customers experiencing financial abuse

Australian banks are launching updated guidelines on financial abuse as part of their continued focus on responding to family violence and elder abuse. The updated industry-wide approach is designed to ensure bank staff are equipped to recognise signs of financial abuse. This is an ABA media release, originally published on 4th April, 2021. “This kind of…

31 March , 2021

Banks call for consistent laws to prevent elder abuse

Australian banks are urging state and territory governments to adopt consistent laws on powers of attorney to prevent elder financial abuse. This is a media release from the Australian Banking Association. It was originally published on 31st March, 2021. State and federal Attorneys-General are meeting today to consider a scope for a national register of power of…

22 March , 2021

Full Federal Court ruling provides vital clarification of the law on statutory unconscionable conduct

The Full Federal Court has upheld an appeal by the ACCC and declared that Quantum Housing Group Pty Ltd engaged in an unconscionable system of conduct in its dealings with investors regarding the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS), in breach of the Australian Consumer Law. This is an ACCC media release, originally published on 22nd March,…

22 March , 2021

Quad bikes and button batteries among ACCC’s 2021 product safety priorities

The ACCC will this year focus on implementation of important safety standards relating to quad bikes including preparing consumers and businesses for a mandatory requirement for operator protection devices as it is introduced in October, ACCC Chair Rod Sims said today. This is an ACCC media release, originally published on 22nd March, 2021. Mr Sims, speaking at…

17 March , 2021

31,000 credit complaints since Banking Royal Commission

Data reveals postcodes flooded with complaints about loans as Government plans to remove lending protections An analysis by consumer group CHOICE has revealed over 31,000 complaints have been made about credit products since the end of the Banking Royal Commission’s hearings. The analysis comes as crossbench Senators in Federal Parliament decide on a government proposal…

9 March , 2021

Car manufacturers complete 99.9 per cent of Takata airbag recall

Car manufacturers have successfully recalled 99.9 per cent of the more than 3 million vehicles affected by deadly Takata airbags which are subject to a compulsory recall. This is an ACCC media release, originally published on the 5th March, 2021. “We’re pleased to have such a high completion rate in what has been the biggest vehicle recall…