NSWpol Archives - Consumers' Federation of Australia

21 August , 2024

NSW Government Proposes Nation’s Strictest Disclosure Obligations for Strata Managers

The New South Wales government has introduced groundbreaking legislation that imposes the strictest obligations on strata managers in Australia regarding the disclosure of insurance commissions. This legislative move follows a series of public concerns, including those raised by ABC’s 7:30 Report and ACIL, which earlier this year referred 146 instances of misconduct to regulatory authorities.…

25 July , 2024

EWON Board Community Director Opportunity

The Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON) is currently accepting nominations for the EWON Board Community Director position. The position is a three year term starting from 31 October 2024 with nominations closing 26/07/2024. From EWON’s website: The Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON) is calling for nominations for one Community Director for the EWON…

16 May , 2024

Consumer Groups Call for Increased Resourcing of NSW Strata & Property Services Commissioner as Strata Populations Increase

The groups emphasise the critical role of the Commissioner’s office in addressing the unique challengesof the strata sector, which currently houses 35% of NSW residents, with projections of 50% by 2040. “Despite the visionary establishment of the Strata and Property Services Commissioner’s Office, and thecommendable efforts of John Minns since his appointment, the office is…

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…