Consumer protection Archives - Page 28 of 38 - Consumers' Federation of Australia

22 April , 2020

“Banks need to go further on their coronavirus response”: CHOICE

Consumer advocate CHOICE is urging Australian banks to go further in their response to COVID-19, flagging that many Australians are still being harmed by high cost credit cards, personal loans and long term debt. “We welcome that many banks have announced initial support packages for customers but we know they can go further. We have…

20 April , 2020

Consumers International calls for COVID-19 response to prioritise consumer protection and empowerment

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis Consumers International members in 100 countries are calling for a focus on the protection and empowerment of individuals in the marketplace based on consumer rights, and for co-ordinated strategies across nations and intergovernmental bodies to build fair, safe, resilient and sustainable economies through consumer protection. We are calling on G20…

14 April , 2020

UNCTAD calls for firmer action to better protect consumers during COVID-19

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has released the following statement, calling for authorities to do more to moniter and act on unfair business practices and criminal activities exploiting fears over the COVID-19 pandemic. The coronavirus pandemic has opened the floodgates of unfair, misleading and abusive business practices, hitting consumers hard and…

8 April , 2020

Managing the impacts of COVID-19 disruption on consumers and business

At the Gartner CEO Forum today, ACCC Chair Rod Sims spoke with a group of 70 CEOs and senior executives from a range of companies across Australasia about how the ACCC’s priorities have shifted to respond to the impact of COVID-19 on consumers and businesses. Below is a transcript of his speech. COVID-19 Taskforce The ACCC…

6 April , 2020

Telco companies are failing people in financial hardship

Consumer Action Law Centre has released the following statement in response to a report by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) on fiancial hardhip in the telco industry. A report released this week by ACMA shows that telco providers are not adequately identifying and supporting customers experiencing financial hardship. The ACMA reports shows that…

2 April , 2020

Banking Code Compliance Committee response to bank and customer COVID-19 challenges

The Banking Code Compliance Committee (BCCC) recognises that both Code subscribing banks and their customers are facing unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The BCCC welcomes the various initiatives announced by the ABA to assist customers to meet these challenges. It believes that these measures will contribute to the fair treatment of customers. Customers…

31 March , 2020

Fair Trading issues price gouging warning during COVID-19

The Queensland Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is warning traders to treat consumers fairly and avoid price gouging as shortages of some products continue as a result of COVID-19 panic buying. Fair Trading Executive Director Brian Bauer said the OFT would consider all complaints made about price gouging or profiteering and investigate serious allegations where…

30 March , 2020

ACCC response to COVID-19 pandemic

The ACCC is highly conscious of the impact COVID-19 is having on Australian consumers and businesses, and has adjusted the focus of its regulatory activities accordingly. Most businesses are facing severe disruption, particularly small businesses, and the future is uncertain for many. The ACCC will factor these circumstances into its consideration of competition matters in…

25 March , 2020

CHOICE calls on sellers and online platforms to put an end to price gouging

Price gouging during the coronavirus crisis has been rampant. We’re calling on sellers big and small as well as online platforms to cease and desist. CHOICE article. Last updated 20 March 2020. It may surprise you to learn that price gouging – jacking up prices for essential goods when supplies are low – is technically…

19 March , 2020

Product safety priorities focus on button battery safety

Consumer household products with button batteries, including children’s toys, should have secure battery safety compartments, child resistant packaging and clear information and warning labels, under proposed new mandatory standards put forward by the ACCC for consultation. Button battery safety is a key part of the ACCC’s Product Safety Priorities for 2020, which show how the ACCC will…

18 March , 2020

Advice on event and travel cancellations due to COVID-19

The ACCC has issued advice for consumers and businesses on their rights and obligations if events, flights or travel services are cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), or if people wish to cancel their travel plans. If events, flights or other travel services such as cruises are cancelled, the ACCC expects refunds or other remedy such…

11 March , 2020

Consumer Action releases Regulator Watch report

Consumer Action Law Centre has released its second edition of Regulator Watch: The enforcement performance of Australia’s consumer protection regulators. In 2013, Consumer Action published the first edition of ‘Regulator Watch’, which was written in response to the absence of a public mechanism to compare the enforcement work being done by Australia’s various consumer protection regulators. Since…