Discrimination Archives - Consumers' Federation of Australia

8 November , 2024

Discrimination Case Settlement a Win for Travellers with Assistance Dogs, Calls for National and Enforceable Aviation Standard Continue

A Sydney woman with disability has won better access for assistance dogs on Qantas flights following a Federal Court discrimination claim. The Justice and Equity Centre and Maurice Blackburn Lawyers represented Rachael Fullerton after Qantas refused to give permission for her assistance dog Strike to fly with her. Strike is trained to alleviate the effects…

8 October , 2024

Ageism Awareness Day – 9 October 2024

Ageism Awareness Day founded by EveryAGE Counts is a reminder to all Australians that ageism is still rife within the Australian community. Ageism has a direct adverse impact on the lives of many Australians in such areas as aged care, provision of health services and employment and is a contributing factor to elder abuse. Ageism Awareness Day…

2 October , 2024

Advocates Welcome Establishment of ‘equal access’ Costs Model for Federal Discrimination Law Claims

The Justice and Equity Centre welcomes the passing of the Australian Human Rights Commission Amendment (Costs Protection) Bill 2023, which establishes an ‘equal access’ costs model for federal discrimination law claims. This is a reform we proposed with our partners at Grata Fund, to improve access to justice for people who have endured sexual harassment or discrimination…

18 September , 2024

National Elder Abuse Research Program – Online Survey of LGBTQIA+ Community Members

The Australian Government, Attorney-General’s Department (AGD) has commissioned and funded the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) to undertake research on the abuse and mistreatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and/or asexual (LGBTIQA+) older people. AIFS has partnered with Queerspace, a division of Drummond Street Services, to undertake this project. The research will…

27 August , 2024

Improving Advocacy by Aged Care and Disability Services – New Standard Published

Empowering older people and people with disability to participate effectively in decisions affecting the quality of their lives is a keystone of a civil society. The recent Royal Commissions on ageing and disability highlighted the importance of government-funded advocacy services in the empowerment of older people and people with disability when they need to access government-funded…

31 July , 2024

Calls for Airline and Airport Accessibility Standards

Wheelchair user and disability advocate, Akii Ngo says accessibility standards for air travel must be drastically improved following an accident in May 2022. Akii fell from a Jetstar aisle chair while being pushed by a Jetstar staff member as they disembarked. The way the staff member operated the chair contributed to Akii’s accident. Akii says this…

25 July , 2024

Money Yarns, Stronger Futures – Highlighting Challenges and Bold Recommendations

The Consumer Action Law Centre has today released a groundbreaking report titled Money Yarns, Stronger Futures. The report amplifies the voices of First Nations people, sharing their personal experiences to shed light on the significant challenges they face in achieving financial prosperity. Money Yarns, Stronger Futures not only highlights these challenges but also offers bold recommendations for both…

25 March , 2024

“Irresponsible” Car Loans on a “broader scale”: Consumers and advocates speak out against Money3 as ASIC sues over alleged breaches

Need to know Financial counsellors are sounding the alarm about an “irresponsible” car loan provider targeting people on low incomes. These consumer advocates say Money3 Loans is failing to properly assess whether its customers can pay off the loans, and is charging exorbitant interest rates on top of that. Last year the Australian Securities and…

14 March , 2024

Advocacy Groups Urge Action for a Robust Aged Care Act

Original media release by and for COTA (12/03/2024). Federal Goverment must deliver robust Aged Care Act without delay. Rights of older people have been ignored for too long The Federal Government must finally deliver a new Aged Care Act that protects and enforces the rights of older people, allows visitors in aged care at all…

7 March , 2024

Closing the Super Gender Balance Pay Gap

Paying super on government paid parental leave is a welcome first step towards closing the super gender balance gap.

31 October , 2023

Have Your Say: New Advocacy in Ageing and Disability Standard Opens for Public Consultation

People with a disability and older persons are some of the most vulnerable in Australia. They need to have their voice heard on issues that are important to them to protect and promote their rights. For this reason, the requirements established by a new Draft Standard on Ageing and Disability is to provide uniform minimum…

7 September , 2023

COTA: Federal Government Needs to Increase Services for All Ages

“COTA Australia has been calling for action to support older people better plan for retirement. Financial literacy and retirement income products are key elements to make sure people are confident to spend more than the legislated minimum draw down and support them to have a dignified retirement.”