Standards Archives - Consumers' Federation of Australia

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 October , 2025

World Standards Day 14 October 2025

Shared vision for a better world: Spotlight on the UN Sustainable Development Goal 17 Partnerships for the goals World Standards Day is celebrated every year on the 14 October and offers the opportunity to increase understanding of the importance of standardization. Most of us are not aware of how standards work or why we need them.…

2 October , 2025

Helmets for Skiers and Skateboarders – Standard Open for Public comment

Helmets can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries in case of falls or collisions. Most Australian ski resorts recommend wearing helmets and make them mandatory for children and participants in terrain parks or racing. The intention of helmets is to reduce the risk of injury to the skull and part of the head surrounded…

1 October , 2025

Green Action Week 2025 – Sustainable Consumption

Green Action Week is a global campaign that promotes sustainable consumption through the power of community. Every October, groups around the world come together to share knowledge, resources, skills, and spaces – taking action to reduce waste, live more sustainably and build stronger, more resilient communities. The theme is a Sharing Community, a celebration of creative, practical…

16 September , 2025

Bunk Beds Standard open for public comment

Children are at serious risk of injury if bunk beds are poorly made or assembled. Serious injuries that can happen include fractures, concussion, and strangulation. Standards Australia has released a revised draft standard DR AS/NZS 4220:2025 Bunk beds and other elevated beds for Public Comment (see below). This Standard specifies strength, durability, stability and general…

3 September , 2025

New consumer safety guide – Button Batteries

Accidental swallowing of a button or coin battery, by a pet or child, can result in severe injury or death, especially when the battery becomes lodged in the oesophagus. Standards Australia has launched a new free Consumer Reference Guide on Button Batteries to improve public access to the latest expert consumer advice aimed at preventing common…

2 September , 2025

Standards Australia Professional Development Programs – Applications Open Now

Standards Australia are looking for the next generation of change-makers to join their team and make a difference. Graduate Program This hands-on program gives graduates the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work. Through rotations across key departments, participants gain valuable experience and a deeper understanding of how we operate – More information and how to apply NEXTgen…

15 July , 2025

Landmark Standard to Empower and Protect Children in the Metaverse

The Metaverse, an innovative complex virtual environment that’s emerging as the next online frontier, is fraught with risks to children including online bullying, grooming, and identity theft. The new landmark Australian standard AS 5402:2025 Children’s Safety in the Metaverse provides a framework for advancing children’s safety in the Metaverse with a focus on privacy and accessibility.…

16 June , 2025

Dementia Inclusive Communities and Standards

More than 430,000 Australians are living with dementia and the number is growing as our population ages. Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of conditions of which Alzheimer’s disease is the most common. Because dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia there is considerable interest in managing its social and economic…

2 June , 2025

Consumers Federation of Australia Representative Recognised with Prestigious Standards Award

The annual Standards Australia Standards Awards celebrate excellence in standards development and are presented to those who have made significant contributions to standardisation and demonstrated outstanding service, enabling Standards Australia to attain its objectives. This year CFA Standards representative John Furbank was awarded the W.R. Hebblewhite Medal, Standards Australia’s most esteemed prize. John was recognised…

27 May , 2025

Consumer vulnerability – New standard open for public comment

Vulnerability can affect anyone at any time particularly if the consumer is faced with an unexpected change of circumstance or a particularly urgent or complex situation and information is not transparent and accessible. Standards Australia has released a new draft standard which specifies requirements and guidelines for organizations on how to design and deliver fair,…

9 May , 2025

Infringement notices issued for button battery information standard breaches

Australian fast-food franchise Hungry Jack’s Pty Ltd has paid penalties totalling $150,240 after the ACCC issued it with eight infringement notices for alleged breaches of the Australian Consumer Law by failing to comply with the mandatory button battery information standard. The infringement notices relate to a Garfield toy powered by button batteries that was supplied…