Health Archives - Consumers' Federation of Australia

1 October , 2026

Paintable electronic tattoos – is that a medical device?

Medical devices can be used to diagnose, prevent, treat, and monitor medical conditions. They include things like implants, software, surgical equipment, pacemakers, baby incubators, and other items. Conventional electrodes that collect electrical signals from the human body for wearable health monitors and human-machine interfaces struggle to remain adhered to hairy and sweaty skin during exercise and the…

16 September , 2026

Sunscreen Products – Draft standard open for Public Comment

We can be sunburnt from direct sunlight, as well as in the shade from reflected radiation from snow, sand, water, clouds, and the sky itself. Often referred to as our ‘national cancer,’ Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Each year, more than 2000 Australians die from this almost entirely preventable…

31 July , 2026

Consumer Advocacy Award 2026

The 2026 ACCC National Consumer Congress has been held and with it, the Consumers’ Federation of Australia’s annual Consumer Advocacy Award. This year saw four projects and campaigns presented by CFA members from across the consumer advocacy sector, each of which saw substantial benefit to many consumers. The nominees this year were: 1. Stronger Voices,…

9 March , 2026

World Consumer Rights Day 15 March 2026

Across the world, consumers continue to encounter unsafe, counterfeit or poor-quality products — from children’s toys and household electronics to medicines and everyday goods. World Consumer Rights Day, coordinated by Consumers International, is the only globally recognised day dedicated to promoting consumer rights and needs. This year’s theme Safe Products, Confident Consumers, calls for collective action across…

4 December , 2025

Telehealth and Virtual Care – Draft Standard Open for Public Comment

Many GP’s, specialists, public and private health care providers now offer a telehealth and virtual care service as an option to patients. There has been widespread adoption of virtual consultation, including telephone, video conversations or recording, or an interactive form of webpage. Many doctors and medical centres now offer telehealth consultations. If you have a…

15 October , 2025

Responding to the challenges of population ageing in Australia

Population ageing is one of the major forces shaping Australia’s future as Australians are living longer although with increased vulnerability to health and wellbeing risks. Populations are ageing at a rapid pace across the OECD member countries, however they are not ageing as well as they could. This will have large consequences for health and…

13 June , 2025

CHOICE study finds most sunscreens fail to meet packaging claims

Consumer group CHOICE has tested 20 popular SPF 50 or 50+ sunscreens and found 16 of 20 products didn’t meet their SPF claims. Sunscreens were chosen from a range of brands, retailers, and price points, and tested by experts in a specialised, accredited sunscreen lab. “Of the 20 sunscreens we tested, only four products actually…

6 May , 2025

Advisory Committee openings at the Therapeutic Goods Administration

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is seeking applications from professionals with relevant expertise in medicine and science, and consumers with relevant expertise in consumer perspectives and issues. Successful applicants will contribute significantly towards the TGA’s regulatory functions by providing independent expert advice on matters across a broad spectrum of issues relating to medicines, medical…

3 March , 2025

Mould in buildings – New standard open for Public Comment

Recently Australia has experienced record-breaking rainfall and floods, generating the perfect storm for the spread of mould in water-damaged properties. Condensation in your home can cause damp, mould, and rot. This can cause rotting of building materials and, if mould spores become airborne indoors, harmful effects on human health. A new Draft Australian Standard AS-IICRC…

14 November , 2024

ACCC Warns NDIS Providers Against Misleading Advertising

The ACCC is putting businesses on notice that it is focusing in on problematic advertising practices which target participants in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The ACCC has been working with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission to identify advertising which may be in breach of the Australian…

11 November , 2024

CFA Supports Call for Action to Protect Children from Unhealthy Food Marketing

In an open letter to Health Ministers, CFA and many other organisations have called for action to protect children from the marketing of unhealthy food by: A copy of the letter is available here

8 November , 2024

Optus Fined Over 2023 Outage Impacting Triple Zero

ACCAN has today welcomed the decisive action by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) in holding Optus to account and issuing a $12 million fine for risking the welfare of hundreds of consumers during the widespread outage of November 2023. This latest fine signals the need for the company and its new CEO, Steven…