Industry Archives - Page 4 of 4 - Consumers' Federation of Australia

11 December , 2023

Building a Resilient Future – Day 3 of Consumers International Global Congress

A report from our Consumers International Global Congress representative, Deputy Chair Chandni Gupta Final day of the 2023 Global Congress and the pace remained fast and fascinating with enlightening presentations with a key focus on sustainability to close off the conference. Below are some highlights from Day 3. Sustainable appliances for a green transition An…

8 December , 2023

ACCC Authorises Industry Collaboration for Sustainable Access to Cash

“The ACCC will closely assess any proposed response, and in particular the extent to which it secures ongoing access to cash in remote and regional areas where bank branches are limited and members of the public often access cash through non-bank sources including Australia Post and retailers,” ACCC Acting Chair Catriona Lowe said.

“A key condition of this interim authorisation is that the ABA report on their discussions to maintain access to cash in regional and remote areas. This will be an important consideration for any future application for authorisation by the industry.”

6 December , 2023

Have Your Say on the Scams Mandatory Industry Code Survey

New mandatory industry codes are being developed by the Australian Government to outline the responsibilities of the private sector in relation to scam activity, with a focus on banks, digital communications platforms, and telecommunications providers. A short survey is also available for members of the public who wish to participate in the consultation process and provide information about their experience with scams, rather than provide a written submission.

You can read the Consultation Paper and how to make submissions here. Submissions are due by 29 January 2024.

1 December , 2023

Coordination Within Electricity Industry Authorised

“The proposed coordination will increase AEMO’s ability to manage the scheduling of outages, providing greater security for the supply of electricity over the next two summer periods, which are forecast to be challenging,” ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh said.

Due to concerns that this kind of coordination and information sharing between competitors can reduce competition in the supply of electricity and the acquisition of maintenance services as well as create information disparities within the broader electricity market, the ACCC has imposed a series of conditions for this authorisation.

21 November , 2023

Financial Counselling Sector Applauds the Launch of New Funding Model

Financial Counselling Australia is delighted with today’s Government announcement about the establishment of an independent body to accept contributions from industry to fund financial counselling services.
The implementation of an industry funding model, with funding administered by an independent body, was recommended by the Sylvan Review of financial counselling in March 2019. This was an appropriate, and innovative, response to the problem of long waiting lists to see a financial counsellor, including some people being turned away.

1 August , 2023

AFIA Buy Now Pay Later Code Compliance Committee Chair Announced

The Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA), the peak body for the entire Australian finance industry, today announced that Ms Jillian Brewer has been appointed as the new chair of the AFIA Buy Now Pay Later Code Compliance Committee (CCC) for a three-year term. Jill was an inaugural member of the CCC and is an experienced lawyer, conciliator, investigator and trainer, with more than 20 years of experience in alternative dispute resolution.