Consumer groups say despite an industry campaign there’s no justification for any more delays or concessions which would further dilute much-needed federal government reforms to the regulation of financial advisers.
Read More Time up for concessions and delays to vital financial reforms
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Victorian households are staring down the barrel of yet another electricity price hike after the Australian Competition Tribunal (ACT) overturned significant aspects of the ruling of the energy industry’s independent regulator.
Read More Consumers the losers as competition tribunal sides with power companies – yet again.
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An Australian fringe lending company is introducing payday loan “kiosks” which look like ATMs into Queensland shopping centres, a move that financial counsellors say could put financially vulnerable families at greater risk post the holidays.
Read More Payday Loan “ATMs” – A New Low in Irresponsible Lending
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Millions of consumers around the world transfer money to their friends and relatives abroad. The World Bank estimates that a total of USD483 billion was sent in 2011.
Many communities in developing countries rely on remittances sent home by migrant workers to meet basic needs. But average charges for this relatively simple transaction are unreasonably high, often 10 or 20%.
Read More New Consumers International report shines the spotlight on global money-transfer markets
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Ingredients in cosmetic products are classed as industrial chemicals, even those described as naturally occurring. To make sure these products are safe for the workers handling them, the environment and for use by consumers, the Australian Government assesses the ingredients used in the manufacture and importation of cosmetics in Australia.
Read More Ensuring the safety of chemicals in cosmetics
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The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has instituted proceedings against Excite Mobile Pty Ltd, alleging false and misleading conduct and unconscionable conduct in providing mobile phone services across Australia. Excite Mobile is also alleged to have used undue coercion in attempts to obtain payment for mobile phone services.
Read More ACCC takes action against Excite Mobile
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Commonwealth, State, Territory and New Zealand Ministers responsible for fair trading and consumer protection met in Adelaide, South Australia, on 9 December. Read the latest in the Joint Communique : Meeting of Ministers for Consumer Affairs.
Read More Ministers welcome improvements to the Australian Consumer Law
CFA member CHOICE has accepted an appointment to sit on the newly-formed Retail Council of Australia to ensure consumers have a seat at the table when it comes to discussing reforms to the retail industry.
Read More Consumers have a seat on new retail reform body
CFA member CHOICE reviews the work of the Forum on Food Regulation’s response to the independent Review of Food Labelling. Half-baked they say!
Read More CHOICE gives food labelling changes mixed review
The Commonwealth Consumer Affairs Advisory Council has released a discussion paper on gift cards. Restrictive expiry dates and other terms and conditions have been raised by Choice and consumer affairs agencies. Consumers have also lost when issues become insolvent.
Read More Are gift card terms and conditions too tough for consumers?
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The Australian Consumer Law’s unfair contract terms provisions are set to be tested in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) after CFA member, the Consumer Action Law Centre issued proceedings against internship and work experience agency Borch Leeman on behalf of one of its clients. As well as the alleged unfair contract terms, Consumer…
Read More National unfair contract terms and consumer guarantees to be under the spotlight
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Consumer guarantees became Australia-wide law on 1 January this year. Find out how they can protect consumers when buying goods or services this Christmas
Read More Know your shopping rights: consumer guarantees
