Standards Archives - Consumers' Federation of Australia

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.

13 November , 2023

Recycling – how can I get involved?

National Recycling Week 13-19 November, established by Planet Ark in 1996, encourages Australians to better recycle. This year’s theme is What goes around comes around. Join your community and get involved in events about giving resources a second life, consuming less, reducing the need for new resources, and of course, recycling! Reducing our waste not only…

31 October , 2023

Have Your Say: New Advocacy in Ageing and Disability Standard Opens for Public Consultation

People with a disability and older persons are some of the most vulnerable in Australia. They need to have their voice heard on issues that are important to them to protect and promote their rights. For this reason, the requirements established by a new Draft Standard on Ageing and Disability is to provide uniform minimum…

24 October , 2023

Have your say on the revised swimming pool standard

Drowning is the third most common cause of death for Australian children aged one to 14. Children can drown in as little as 20 seconds – one-and two-year-old children are particularly at risk, read more and find out about Water Safety Rules for Children. Statistical evidence shows that the majority of drowning deaths in private…

23 October , 2023

Children’s Week 2023

Children’s Week celebrates the right of children to enjoy childhood. The theme for Children’s Week 2023 is Children have the right to relax, play and take part in activities they enjoy (based on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child). Children’s Week is a national celebration that recognises the talents, skills, achievements, and rights of children. During Children’s Week, local councils, not-for-profit organisations, schools, and early childhood services organise open days, displays, special events, virtual spaces, and online-based activities. Find out more about Children’s Week and celebrations near you here.

17 October , 2023

Improved Standard a Significant Advancement for Safe Motor Vehicle Travel

Standards Australia has published a world first standard AS 5384 Accessories for seats belts used in motor vehicles which provides quality assurance to consumers who require such additional safety features not provided by standard motor vehicle seatbelts.

7 October , 2023

World Standards Day: Shared Vision for a Better World

Saturday October 14th is World Standards Day, a time to acknowledge and celebrate the work of the thousands of people around the world who dedicate their time and effort into creating technical voluntary standards. This year’s theme for World Standards Day is ‘a shared vision for a better world’, CFA’s Standards Project Manager, Regina Godfredson, has prepared a short piece for the occasion.

27 September , 2023

40% of Bassinets in Australia Fail Safety Test

“Unfortunately, there is currently no mandatory Australian safety standard for bassinets. This means that year after year we continue to see unsafe bassinets make it onto the shelves,” says Kim Gilmour, CHOICE baby product expert.

26 September , 2023

World Issues and How Standards Can Help

Last week, Standards Australia hosted the ISO Annual Meeting in Brisbane – the first time it’s been held in Australia for 20 years. Presented over five days in virtual, hybrid and in-person sessions with more than 4000 participants from over 140 countries (500 in-person) under the theme “Meeting Global Needs”. The event covered some of the most important issues facing the world.

19 September , 2023

Almost a Third of Playpens Fail CHOICE Safety Test

Original media release from CHOICE (30/08/2023). “We gave several playpens a score of zero for performance simply because they had so many failures,” says Kim Gilmour, CHOICE’s team leader for household products. In fact, eight of the 25 models in our current review failed to pass CHOICE’s key safety requirements – that’s almost a third, a…

29 August , 2023

Great Spring Clean September 2023

Clean up Australia inspires and empowers communities to clean up, and to fix up and conserve our environment; the annual Great Spring Clean is another chance for Aussies everywhere to get out and clean up our local environments and improve public places throughout September. Get out there and take practical action before the heat of summer hits, find out how to get involved and if your Council is supporting the clean up here.

3 August , 2023

Free Access to Australian Standards for Consumers

Nearly everything we touch has a Standard connected to it, in our everyday lives and in every Australian industry, and they make everything work. As a consumer, access to standards can help you become more informed about what to expect from product and service providers. Standards Australia has launched a new program for improving access to Australian Standards.