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The following is an excerpt from an article that was originally published on The Conversation. Gardening is generally a healthy and pleasurable hobby or occupation. However, any activity carries some risk – and gardening is no exception. Potting mix is known to carry harmful bacteria and fungi. And there have been reports of deaths from diseases, such…
Read More Potting mix health risks
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Growing numbers of Australian consumers are opting for organic products, and should be able to feel confident that the ingredients are in fact organic. Many products carry a symbol, logo or other trade mark to show that they are certified organic. This certification is currently performed by 7 private bodies that are accredited by the Department…
Read More Don’t panic, it’s organic!
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Consumer group CHOICE is calling for improved labelling on alcoholic drinks to help people compare their beverage options. “For many people Christmas is a time to enjoy a festive drink but if they want to choose lower kilojoule tipples, right now they can’t easily compare their options” says CHOICE spokesperson, Katinka Day. “While consumers can…
Read More CHOICE calls for improved labelling on alcoholic drinks
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The following is a joint media release from the Commonwealth Small Business Minister Michael McCormack and Commonwealth Employment Minister Michaelia Cash. A Taskforce led by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will conduct an investigation into quad bike safety under plans announced today by the Minister for Employment Michaelia Cash and Minister for Small Business…
Read More Quad Bike Safety Taskforce
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The following is a blog post by Luke Nottage and Catherine Niven. The original post can be accessed here. In 2008, as consumer confidence in Australia took a big hit from the Global Financial Crisis, the Productivity Commission published a report advising the federal Treasurer to lead a belated “re-harmonisation” of consumer protection law. The State and…
Read More Product Safety Reform and the ACL Review – Blog Post
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Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) has begun civil proceedings against Origo & Co Pty Ltd (ACN: 140 019 656) – previously Daiso (Australia) Pty Ltd – in the Federal Court of Australia, for alleged contraventions of product safety provisions and other protections under the Australian Consumer Law. CAV will allege that between 2011 and 2016, the…
Read More CAV to Take Daiso to Court over Product Safety Breaches
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CHOICE says young Australians shouldn’t feel pressured into taking out health insurance just to avoid paying Lifetime Health Cover loading New CHOICE analysis has found taking out poor value health insurance, simply to avoid a future loading on premiums, may ultimately leave consumers worse off. “As the end of financial year approaches, health insurance and…
Read More CHOICE Says Look Past The Lifetime Health Cover Hype
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Winter is here and Consumers’ Federation of Australia representatives have contributed to standards that ensure the safety of products we use in winter. The standards are developed via the Standards Australia Technical Committee process. ACCC Top tips for winter product safety are: Never use boiling water to fill your hot water bottle and replace it…
Read More Tips for Winter Product Safety
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An exploratory survey of Australian grocery shoppers has shown that almost all reported that they use unit pricing to some degree to make value comparisons between products, and most said they use unit pricing frequently and for several types of value comparisons. The on-line survey of 104 members/supporters of Choice (Australian Consumers Association) was conducted…
Read More Supermarket Shoppers Often Use Grocery Unit Pricing to Compare Value
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The Consumers’ Federation of Australia is seeking nominations for a community and consumer representative to sit on the Organ and Tissue Working Committee (OTWC). The Committee will assist the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) in its review of the ethical guidelines governing organ and tissue donation The Committee will play an integral role in…
Read More Call for Nominations: Organ and Tissue Working Committee
All businesses who supply products to Australian consumers must comply with Australian product safety laws as outlined by ACCC Product Safety. Consumers Federation of Australia representative Gail Greatorex is a member of the Standards Australia Technical Committee which completed a review of four key parts of the product safety framework set of documents. One of…
Read More Products safety handbook protects consumers
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Minh Nguyen, a CFA representative on the Weight Management Council of Australia has provided CFA with an update on their activities. CFA are happy to report that WMCA has two new members including Weight Watchers and Nestle. The independent chair for WMCA has been working to engage with Australian federal government to highlight the role…
Read More WMCA gains two new members and further news.