NSWpol Archives - Consumers' Federation of Australia

30 November , 2023

NSW Plastic Policies Take the Next Step with Consultation

The NSW Government has recently launched the paper NSW Plastics: Next Steps and is seeking feedback on plastic items that:
are frequently littered

release microplastics into the environment

contain harmful chemical additives

are currently or are proposed to be regulated in other states and territories.

Translations of the paper are available online in Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Greek, Hindi, Korean and Vietnamese.

Have your say by 4 February 2024.

1 November , 2023

NSW Opens Consultation for More Action on Plastic

Below is the original text from the New South Wales Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) which is currently accepting submissions relating to the recently released paper ‘NSW Plastics Next Steps’. The Consumers’ Federation of Australia encourages submissions and in some cases can and will spearhead member organisation submissions upon request. The relevant website page can be…

1 May , 2019

Electricity determination important step to keep energy prices down for NSW

The Australian Energy Regulator’s revenue determination for the period 2019-2024, announced 30 April, represents a fair outcome for NSW consumers, and will help curb rising household energy bills. ‘Overall, this determination is welcome news for NSW consumers,’ said Craig Memery, Team leader in PIAC’s Energy + Water Consumers’ Advocacy Program. ‘It builds on the downward…

13 February , 2019

No interest loan plan puts roof-top solar within reach of struggling households

PIAC’s Energy + Water Consumer Advocacy Program (EWCAP) has welcomed the New South Wales Government’s commitment to provide no-interest loans for households to access solar and batteries, announced on Sunday. ‘This program will provide welcome relief for people struggling with the cost of living. Making finance available for up to 300,000 households with income below…

13 February , 2019

Biggest overhaul of building laws in NSW history

New home owners in NSW will be better protected after the NSW Government announced strong plans to improve the building and construction industry. Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said the plan, which includes appointing a Building Commissioner, has been months in the making, after the Building Ministers’ Forum (BMF) commissioned an independent report into…

14 January , 2019

Free online pathways to solve legal problems

The NSW Government has launched a free online legal service to help people overcome mortgage pressure and settle rates debts with local councils without the stress of court proceedings, Attorney General Mark Speakman announced today. The LawAccess NSW website now provides two interactive guided pathways to match people with the information they need to resolve…

23 November , 2018

NSW Retirement Village Shake Up

Retirement village residents and their families will be better protected under new legislation that has passed Parliament. Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said the NSW Coalition implemented a number of reforms recommended by Kathryn Greiner AO, following her independent inquiry into the retirement village sector last year. “For too long, retirees and their families…

26 October , 2018

Minister for Better Regulation announces business reforms

Consumers and small business owners around the State will save more than half a billion dollars over 10 years thanks to the NSW Coalition’s sweeping Better Business Reforms. The package of reforms, which passed Parliament this week, includes significant red tape reductions for small businesses and better transparency measures for consumers. Minister for Better Regulation…

10 October , 2018

Coming clean on kickbacks with better business reforms

Businesses that make product and service recommendations will be forced to come clean on commissions, referral fees and kickbacks under new Better Business Reforms. Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Matt Kean said it would put buying power back in the hands of consumers and small businesses. “Consumers are increasingly relying on referrals from third…

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…

9 August , 2018

Fair Trading reforms set to deliver big benefits for NSW consumers

Consumers are set to save big on time and money, and have disputes with businesses resolved quicker, thanks to new Fair Trading powers. Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said the Fair Trading Legislation Amendment (Consumer Guarantee Directions) Bill, granting the new powers, would be introduced into Parliament this week. “These proposed reforms will give…

3 August , 2018

Consumer rights extend to the grave

Grieving families are increasingly being taken advantage of when planning a funeral, with the number of complaints to NSW Fair Trading jumping to record levels. It prompted a warning from Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean, who said consumers should know their rights when choosing a funeral package, to avoid dodgy operators who don’t properly…