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Australians love caravanning and camping. We see it as a great way to experience Australia’s open spaces and natural beauty. Caravanning and camping has recovered well since the COVID-related lockdowns ended and trips were at 12.7 million by the year ending June 2022, according to Tourism Research Australia caravan and camping data. Standards Australia has…
Read More Caravanning and Camping
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55% of Australians incorrectly dispose of batteries. Australian B-cycle “Never bin your batteries” aims to help consumers understand the risks of throwing batteries away in regular bins. It emphasises the need to never put used batteries in general waste or recycling bins, to instead tape the terminals with clear sticky tape and take them to…
Read More Safe Battery Disposal
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The Australian Government is taking action to help ensure that AI is safe and responsible, releasing its interim response to the Safe and Responsible AI in Australia consultation today.
The consultation made clear that while AI has immense potential to improve wellbeing and grow our economy, Australians want stronger protections in place to help manage the risks.
The Government’s response is targeted towards the use of AI in high-risk settings, where harms could be difficult to reverse, while ensuring that the vast majority of low risk AI use continues to flourish largely unimpeded.
Read More Government Considers “mandatory guardrails” for AI Development
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How stable is your furniture? Does your heavy, full wardrobe have appropriate anchors or tip-over failsafes? Currently, Australia only has a voluntary safety standard (AS/NZS 4935:2009) but in light of the recently published mandatory American standard (ASTM F2057–23 Standard Safety Specification for Clothing Storage Units) the Australian Competition and ConsumerCommission has decided to re-investigate the…
Read More Survey on Mandatory Furniture Safety Standards
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The National Measurement Institute is seeking your views on the draft General Certificate of Approval for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE).
Any feedback and comments on the proposed documents should be provided by Friday 8 March 2024, 11:59 PM AEST.
Read More Consultation on Maximum Permissible Errors for EV Equipment
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Original news article by Standards Australia (20/12/2023). A soon-to-be-released Standards Australia publication supporting the responsible expansion of AI has been showcased at an international event. Aurelie Jacquet, Chair of Australia’s AI standards committee, and Roland Terry-Lloyd, Head of Engagement & Strategic Delivery, represented Standards Australia at the recent 2023 Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit in…
Read More Standards and Artificial Intelligence in the APEC Region
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The ACCC issued four infringement notices to IMG in relation to four different models of Mechatronic Auto Parts branded replacement car key remotes supplied by IMG to Repco and Supercheap Auto that allegedly failed to include the required safety warning labels about the hazards associated with button batteries. IMG paid $59,640 in penalties.
The ACCC also issued two infringement notices to each of Repco and Supercheap Auto for supplying two types of car key remote products to consumers. Repco and Supercheap Auto paid $33,000 and $26,640, respectively, in penalties.
Mandatory safety and information standards were introduced in Australia in June 2022, following significant injuries and the death of three children caused by button batteries. The information standard requires warning information and safety advice to be displayed on packaging and batteries.
Read More Major Suppliers and Retailers Pay Penalties for Alleged Button Battery Standards Breaches
Consumers International Global Congress; Nairobi, Kenya 06-08 December 2023; Building a resilient future for consumers; supporting partners COMESA Competition Commission and Competition Authority of Kenya
Today the Congress was abuzz with passionate consumer advocates, experts and regulators taking a deep dive into everything from scams and AI to greenwashing and digital wallets. But at the heart of so many discussions today was the value of and the critical need to collaborate. It was recognised that collaboration both within and across borders is needed to help raise the voices on key issues impacting consumers and to learn from one another. Below are some of the highlights from Day 2!
Read More C is for Collaboration – Day 2 of Consumers International Global Congress
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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.
Read More Have Your Say on the Scams Mandatory Industry Code Survey
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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…
Read More Recycling – how can I get involved?
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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…
Read More Have Your Say: New Advocacy in Ageing and Disability Standard Opens for Public Consultation
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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…
Read More Have your say on the revised swimming pool standard
