Everyday Consumer Archives - Page 41 of 106 - Consumers' Federation of Australia

29 June , 2020

1 in 4 Australians are struggling to pay for essentials such as energy, groceries and insurance, adding to existing rent and mortgage stress

A new research report by the Consumer Policy Research Centre explores the global response to COVID-19, with nationwide survey of 1114 Australians showing people are drawing on limited resources just to make ends meet. 12 million Australians are concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on their financial wellbeing; 1 in 5 are ‘very’ concerned Almost…

24 June , 2020

Rise in investment scams during COVID-19 pandemic

ASIC has seen a rise in the number of investment scam reports from Australian consumers and investors during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. Reports of misconduct received by ASIC from March to May 2020 are up 20% compared to the same period last year. ASIC Executive Director for Assessment and Intelligence Warren Day said economic uncertainty…

24 June , 2020

Coronavirus price gouging – what went wrong?

A CHOICE analysis has found over 1 in 3 Australians faced more expensive essentials at the height of coronavirus. The consumer advocate has also found freezers were a key item to face steep price rises as lockdowns came into effect. CHOICE’s Consumer Pulse survey** asked respondents if “the prices for essential goods were generally higher…

22 June , 2020

Scams cost Australians over $630 million

Australians lost over $634 million to scams in 2019, according to the latest figures in the ACCC’s Targeting Scams report released today. There were more than 353,000 combined reports to Scamwatch, other government agencies and the big four banks last year. “Unfortunately it is another year with devastatingly high losses, and scammers are constantly finding…

19 June , 2020

ACCC directed to monitor domestic air passenger services

The Morrison Government has directed the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to monitor domestic air passenger services for a period of three years. The Government has consistently said Australia’s national interest is best served through having a sustainable, competitive aviation sector. ACCC monitoring will assist in protecting competition in the domestic passenger airline market,…

11 June , 2020

CHOICE calls for urgent price gouging legislation to protect Victorians in future crises

Consumer advocate CHOICE has written to the Victorian Consumer Affairs Minister Marlene Kairouz with proposed legislation to stop price gouging on essentials during a crisis. “The past few months have shown us that in a crisis, consumer protections for Australians are the first thing to go.” says Amy Pereira, CHOICE Campaigner. “We need strong protections…

1 June , 2020

Hot safety tips for consumers in cold weather

While many of us have already hauled out the winter woollies, electric blankets and hot water bottles, the first official day of winter is the perfect time to check they’re still safe to use. Commissioner for Consumer Affairs Dini Soulio said a number of winter warmer products may pose a safety risk if they are…

1 June , 2020

Grocery shoppers urged to use unit prices to get better value for money during the COVID-19 economic crisis

Grocery shoppers wanting to get value for money during the current economic crisis should be using the unit price information (price per unit of measure) provided for prepackaged products by all large supermarkets. Gerard Brody, chair of the peak consumer body the Consumers’ Federation of Australia (CFA), says “The unit price information shown on shelf…

27 May , 2020

CFA responds to COVID19 cooperation proposals from NBN Co, Australian Energy Council and Private Healthcare Australia

The Consumers’ Federation of Australia has made submissions to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) responding to authorisation applications from NBN Co, the Australian Energy Council (AEC) and Private Healthcare Australia Limited (PHA). Businesses can seek authorisation from the ACCC where conduct risks breaching competition laws but is in the public interest. While CFA…

20 May , 2020

Don’t rush into your next ‘pay now/book later’ getaway

The Queensland Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is advising consumers wanting to make travel plans to be wary about ‘pay now/book later’ holidays in the current climate and to read the terms and conditions carefully. Fair Trading Executive Director Brian Bauer said that while regional travel restrictions may be easing, international travel restrictions were likely…

19 May , 2020

Scammers use COVID-19 to take advantage of consumers across Australia

Scamwatch has received over 2000 coronavirus-related scam reports with over $700 000 in reported losses since the outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus). Common scams include phishing for personal information, online shopping, and superannuation scams. Visit Scamwatch for details on how scammers target consumers and tips to protect yourself. If you have been scammed or have seen…

14 May , 2020

Helping motorists find the best deal at the bowser

The Marshall Liberal Government will deliver real time petrol pricing to South Australian motorists following the findings of an extensive review undertaken by the South Australian Productivity Commission. The Commission’s review found that while petrol price cycles still existed in those jurisdictions that did have fuel price monitoring, the presence of real time pricing data…