News Archives - Page 11 of 56 - Consumers' Federation of Australia

25 September , 2023

Energy Consumers Australia Welcomes New CEO

The Board of Energy Consumers Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of incoming CEO Brendan French.

Brendan brings over 20 years’ experience in executive and leadership roles, with a focus on consumer interests in the banking, finance, energy and water sectors. On top of significant corporate experience at the Commonwealth Bank, he was previously the NSW Energy and Water Deputy Ombudsman.

23 September , 2023

NASC Warns of Increasing Virtual Kidnapping Scams

Three months after the ABC ran a story about virtual kidnapping scams targeting Chinese international students in Sydney, the National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC) has warned that the scam, which aims to threaten, intimidate, and steal from Chinese students living in Australia (regardless of socio-economic status), has more than doubled in number since August 2023.

22 September , 2023

EnergyAustralia in Court over Alleged Misleading Information

“With electricity prices increasing, and many Australians looking for a better deal, it’s crucial that the information people receive from their energy company is correct and can be relied upon,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said.

19 September , 2023

AustralianSuper Sued Over Multiple Superannuation Accounts

ASIC alleges that for almost ten years, AustralianSuper failed to have adequate policies and procedures to identify members who held multiple AustralianSuper accounts and to merge those accounts, where merger was in the member’s best interests.

19 September , 2023

Accessibility Best Practice Guide

Access to information, goods, and services are fundamental to consumer education, protection, advocacy, and rights. The importance of access and how some people are left out is something that is crucial to discussions about metropolitan areas as compared to rural and remote areas, where access to many goods and services can be limited and potentially…

18 September , 2023

Call for Supermarkets to Help Shoppers Spot Package “shrinkflation”

QCA spokesperson, Ian Jarratt says manufacturers use shrinkflation to make “sneaky” price increases and improve or maintain their margins because most shoppers are more aware of, and sensitive to, higher selling prices than reductions in the amount in packages.

18 September , 2023

FCA on the Credit and Crypto Gambling Ban

“This legislation is terrific,” Ms Levin said. “We’re delighted that it covers not only credit cards, but also digital wallets and digital currencies.”
Ms Levin said the one area of disappointment was a carve-out for online lotteries.

18 September , 2023

ACCC Urges Businesses to Remove Unfair Contract Term

“The test for whether a contract term is unfair has not changed. However, businesses now could potentially face substantial penalties for contravening the law. This will better protect consumers and small businesses who have limited bargaining power, expertise, and ability to negotiate or assess standard form contracts,”

15 September , 2023

Proposed Denial of Qantas and China Eastern Airline Coordination

The ACCC has issued a draft determination proposing to deny authorisation for Qantas Airways Ltd and China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited and their related entities (including Jetstar) to continue coordinating operations between Australia and mainland China.

12 September , 2023

Housing Delayed and Denied: Improving Access to Specialist Disability Accommodation

Specialist Disability Accommodation, or SDA, is a vital piece of infrastructure for may disabled people to navigate their own home and retain independence. However, despite recent improvement spurred on by the advocacy of organisations and individuals, a recent report from the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) and the Housing Hub shows there is still great room for improvement in the decisions and delivery of these vital accommodations.

11 September , 2023

Aviation Green Paper Open for Consultation

The Federal Government is calling for feedback on its ‘Aviation Green Paper – towards 2050’, found here.

The Green Paper is the next step in the development of the Aviation White Paper which will set the policy direction for the aviation sector out to 2050 and is likely to be released in mid-2024.

11 September , 2023

60 Day Script Change Welcomed by Consumer Advocates

Dr Deveny said the targeted program, to be implemented in three stages over 12 months, will effectively halve the cost of medicines for up to six million Australians with chronic health conditions, and result in savings for individual consumers of up to $180 every year per medicine.