Everyday Consumer Archives - Page 34 of 106 - Consumers' Federation of Australia

8 February , 2022

An interview with Paul Loney: representing consumer interests in standards development for 18 years

A conversation with CFA Standards Representative Paul Loney about his participation in standards development, what his work looks like today and what keeps him excited to represent consumers. How long have you worked in standards development and can you tell me about some changes you’ve seen in that time? I’ve been representing consumers in standards…

31 January , 2022

Average Australian must consent to 467,000 words worth of privacy policies: CHOICE calls for Privacy Act reform to make businesses responsible for using data safely and fairly

Consumer advocacy group CHOICE is marking Data Protection Day with results from a new survey, which has found Australians must typically consent to an average of 116 privacy policies at any one time, amounting to a hefty 467,000 words. This is a media release from CHOICE. It was originally published on 28th January, 2022 “It’s completely unacceptable that…

27 January , 2022

More power to compare and switch telco providers and share finance data

The Morrison Government is giving consumers more power to lower their internet and phone bills by expanding the Consumer Data Right to the telecommunications sector. This is a joint media release from The Hon Josh Frydenberg MP: Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Australia & The Hon Paul Fletcher MP: Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts &…

6 January , 2022

Mayfair 101 Group to pay $30 million penalty for misleading advertising

The Federal Court has ordered four companies in the Mayfair 101 Group to pay a combined penalty of $30 million for misleading advertising. This is a media release from the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC). It was originally published on 22nd December, 2021. In March 2021, the Court found Mayfair Wealth Partners Pty Ltd and Online Investments Pty…

6 January , 2022

Price gouging: COVID-19 rapid antigen test prices soar

Need to know Rapid antigen tests are being sold at inflated prices by some retailers The ACCC is investigating the price gouging Advocates say stronger price-gouging protections are needed for consumers This is a media release from CHOICE. It was originally published on 5th January, 2022. It was only a few weeks ago that COVID-19 rapid antigen tests (RATs)…

20 December , 2021

FAO publishes reports on consumer organizations and the Right to Adequate Food

Prepared by CFA Executive Member Ian Jarratt, of Queensland Consumers Association. He can be reached at ijarratt@australiamail.com. Recently, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) published two reports, aimed to support, and showcase the work of Consumer Organizations around the globe on The Right to Adequate Food. The reports are: Consumer Organizations and the Right to…

20 December , 2021

New safety standard for portable non-aerosol fire extinguishers

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…

17 December , 2021

Productivity Commission’s Final Report on “Right To Repair” Released

Prepared by CFA Executive Member Ian Jarratt, of Queensland Consumers Association. He can be reached at ijarratt@australiamail.com. The final report was handed to the Australian Government on 29 October 2021 and publicly released on 1 December 2021. The Government has not yet announced its response to the report. CFA and several member organisations participated in the…

17 December , 2021

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

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…

17 December , 2021

Energy sector remains focused on transition and affordability

Affordable energy and transition to a decarbonised energy system in ways that put customers at the centre, have been identified by the Energy Charter as critical ongoing commitments in 2022, following a new report released today. This is a media release from The Energy Charter. It was originally published on 15th December, 2021. Energy Charter Full Signatories, made up of…

17 December , 2021

Strengthening protections for consumers and small businesses

The Morrison Government is consulting on ways to strengthen the consumer guarantee and supplier indemnification provisions under the Australian Consumer Law. This is a media release from The Hon Michael Sukkar MP. It was originally published on 14th December, 2021. The consultation paper released today includes options for civil prohibitions and penalties for suppliers that fail to provide…

9 December , 2021

Tougher consumer protections at core of payments reform welcomed

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg’s announcement today that the Government intends to reform Australia’s payment systems is a real opportunity to improve consumer protection, according to Consumer Action Law Centre. This is a media release from the Consumer Action Law Centre. It was originally published on 8th December, 2021. “Today’s announcement foreshadows consultation on regulatory arrangements for Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL)…