Everyday Consumer

SCAM ALERT

This is a joint media release between the AFP, National Anti-Scam Centre, Philippines Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission and National Bureau of Investigation Editor’s note: Text message screenshot, images from investigation, and audio grabs from AFP Commander Graeme Marshall are available via Hightail Authorities have texted more than 5000 potential victims in Australia to warn they may…

Read More Joint media release from Australian and Philippines authorities as over 5,000 Australians receive text warnings over a romance scam

News

This is a joint submission made on behalf of:• Consumer Action Law Centre• CHOICE• The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network• Financial Rights Legal Centre• Super Consumers Australia• Financial Counselling Australia• Westjustice• Consumer Credit Legal Service WA Our organisations are pleased to have the opportunity to provide our feedback to the Senate Economics Legislation Committee. We…

Read More Joint Submission Urges Law Reform and Mandatory Industry Action

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The ACCC is urging consumers to shop around or at least to contact their electricity provider to ask if a cheaper electricity plan is available, following a decline in retail electricity prices in 2024 that many households are not currently benefiting from. More than 80 per cent of Australian households in the National Electricity Network…

Read More Electricity Inquiry finds no reward for loyalty

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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.”…

Read More Aviation Charter of Rights needs more to take off: CHOICE

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The ACCC has conducted a sweep of sales advertising by Australian businesses online and in store and is concerned that a number of claims about the size and scope of discounts may be misleading consumers. This follows consumer reports about a range of concerns during the recent Black Friday sales period about the veracity of…

Read More ACCC Black Friday Sweep Finds Concerning Number of Misleading Claims

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HSBC Bank Australia Limited (HSBC Australia) failed to adequately protect customers scammed out of millions of dollars, according to documents filed by ASIC in the Federal Court today. ASIC alleges HSBC Australia failed to have adequate controls in place to prevent and detect unauthorised payments and failed to comply with its obligations to investigate customer…

Read More Win for Consumers and Advocates as ASIC Sues HSBC Australia, Alleges “widespread and systemic” failings

Consumer Protection

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…

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

Consulting

The ACCC has welcomed today’s start of consultation by the Australian Government on the implementation of a new digital competition regime in Australia. The consultation comes after the Government’s in-principle agreement to competition reforms recommended by the ACCC to address harms caused by digital platforms. “This is an important opportunity for consumers, businesses and other interested parties…

Read More Consultation Opens for New Digital Competition Reform in Australia

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The ACCC has granted interim authorisation to Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways, allowing them to engage in cooperative conduct under an integrated alliance. The ACCC has also accepted a court enforceable undertaking from Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways in relation to the conduct. Under the interim authorisation, Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways can commence marketing and selling…

Read More Interim Authorisation for Flights and Marketing for Doha to Australia Granted by ACCC

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Global average concentrations of all major long-lived greenhouse gases continue to rise in the atmosphere, driving further climate change says a new report by CSIRO: State of the Climate.  This eighth biennial State of the Climate report is a synthesis of the science that underpins our understanding of Australia’s climate. It is intended to inform…

Read More Greenhouses Gases Continue to Rise – 2023 the Warmest Year on Record