Everyday Consumer Archives - Page 3 of 5 - Consumers' Federation of Australia

2 November , 2021

Benefits from more competition in internet search

Measures addressing Google’s dominance in search engine services, including a choice screen that provides consumers with a selection of search engines, should be introduced in Australia, as set out in the ACCC’s third Digital Platform Services Inquiry interim report. This is a media release from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC). It was originally published on 28th October,…

13 September , 2021

Banking Code Committee concerned by direct debits compliance

The Banking Code Compliance Committee (BCCC) today released a report indicating that banks would comply with their direct debit obligation under the Banking Code of Practice (the Code) in only 71% of cases. In March 2021, the BCCC conducted a mystery shopping exercise into banks’ compliance with their obligation to promptly cancel a customer’s direct debit on…

9 August , 2021

Stationary training equipment standards open for public comment

Stationery training equipment incudes exercise bicycles, training benches, treadmills, rowing machines, steppers, and other equipment for use in training areas of organisations such as sports associations, hotels, sports halls, educational establishments, studios, gyms, fitness centres etc where access and control are regulated by the owner. The nine parts of the new standards are open for…

28 July , 2021

Australian consumers back proposed solar export rule changes

Consumers have strongly backed proposed rule changes being considered by the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) that are designed to enable growth in electricity exports from rooftop solar panels, enabling more Australians to share in the economic and environmental benefits. This is an Energy Consumers Australia media release, originally published on 27th July, 2021. The changes would allow…

19 March , 2021

Consultation on Draft National Preventative Health Strategy

A Draft National Preventative Health Strategy (the Strategy) was released recently for comment via a website survey which closes on 19 April. The survey and the Strategy are available here. The Strategy aims to help Australians improve their health at all stages of life, through early intervention, better information, targeting risk factors and addressing the…

12 March , 2021

World Consumer Rights Day (15 March 2021) ‘Tackling Plastic Pollution’

Most plastics are made to be used once before being discarded and consumer awareness of the plastics crisis is growing around the world. On average, Australians use 130 kg of plastic per person each year and up to 130,000 tonnes of plastic will find its way into our waterways and into the ocean. The good news is…

4 March , 2021

The Tolling Customer Ombudsman: Free, impartial dispute resolution

The Tolling Customer Ombudsman (TCO) is a free and independent alternative dispute resolution scheme designed broadly to assist customers and toll road users of Linkt – New South Wales, Linkt – Queensland and Linkt – Victoria tolling businesses. The overarching aim of the scheme is to resolve complaints fairly, efficiently and free of charge. Information…

1 November , 2019

Driving Reform on car repairs

The Hon Michael Sukkar Media Release: The Coalition Government is committed to progressing the design of a mandatory information sharing scheme for motor vehicle service and repair information. This scheme forms part of our commitment to support appropriate commercial dealing and competition in the new car retail supply chain for the benefit of both small…

30 August , 2018

Consumer complaints electrify in July

Electronic gadget retailers have dominated the July NSW Fair Trading Complaints Register, with a total of nine electronic companies featuring on the monthly list. Kogan and Samsung took out the top two spots, with 42 and 33 complaints, followed by Harvey Norman with 31. Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said the majority of complaints…

1 July , 2018

WA Fitness Industry Code Review

The Western Australian Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety has published a consultation paper as part of its review into the WA Fitness Industry Code. Feedback is being sought from fitness services providers, consumers, industry associations and other interested parties as to the effectiveness and appropriateness of the Code. Attending a gym or fitness…

8 June , 2018

Making grocery unit prices easier to notice and read

The small print sizes many businesses use to show the unit price (price per unit of measure) of pre-packaged grocery and similar products is a major problem in Australia and other countries. To facilitate consideration of this important issue, a paper on it has been prepared by CFA executive committee member Ian Jarratt who is…

31 January , 2018

Christmas retailers with most consumer complaints revealed

The Christmas retailers’ naughty list has been revealed in the latest NSW Fair Trading Complaints Register, Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said yesterday. Kogan, Samsung Electronics and online ticket reseller Viagogo claimed the top spots with 27 complaints each, followed by The Good Guys with 18, Apple and Harvey Norman with 16 each, and…