News Archives - Page 18 of 56 - Consumers' Federation of Australia

21 March , 2023

Calls for Telco Retail Registration Scheme

Supported by the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO), the Australian Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) is calling for the registration of all telecommunication providers in Australia for the benefit of all consumers, regulators, and providers. From ACCAN media release (03/03/2023): The Australian Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) is calling for the development of a retail registration scheme for telco…

Image 17 March , 2023

Consumers International Whitepaper – ‘Consumer protection and empowerment for a clean energy future’

Consumers International has recently released a white paper on ‘Consumer protection and empowerment for a clean energy future’ centred on the “twin challenge” of switching to sustainable and affordable alternatives in an increasingly shorter timeframe while ensuring consumers are represented and helped through and with the process. The report focuses on how “consumer protection and…

Image 14 March , 2023

ACCC competition and consumer issues in essential services, sustainability among 2023-24 compliance and enforcement priorities

This is a media release from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC). It was originally published on 7th March 2023. Consumer and competition issues in essential services, environmental claims and sustainability, financial services and other critical areas will be among the ACCC’s compliance and enforcement priorities during 2023-24, ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb announced today. Unveiling the ACCC’s annual…

1 March , 2023

AFCA receives over 2000 complaints in year since SEQ/NSW floods

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has received more than 2,000 complaints from flood-affected consumers in the year since the devastating South-East Queensland/northern NSW storms, with delays in claim handling the most significant issue. This is a media release from the Essential Services Commission. It was originally published on 27th February, 2023. Disputes with insurers in the…

1 November , 2022

Vulnerable consumers supported by new Code of Practice for customer-owned banks

The Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA) has introduced a new industry Code of Practice that comes into effect today, with changes increasing protections for customers experiencing vulnerability including elder abuse, domestic violence and disability. The 2022 Customer Owned Banking Code of Practice replaces the 2018 version and was developed through an independent review by Phil…

7 October , 2022

Apply to join CFA’s 2023 Mentoring Program

Expressions of interest for the 2023 CFA Consumer Advocacy Mentoring Program are now open, due by 1st November 2022. Please share this item with emerging leaders in your organisation who may be interested in applying for the 2023 program. “Can’t thank you enough for running this excellent program. Becoming part of the wider consumer advocate network,…

28 September , 2022

Managed funds amend their marketing following ASIC surveillance

A recent ASIC surveillance found that some fund managers must do more to ensure the investment performance representations in their fund’s marketing materials are appropriate. This is a media release from the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC). It was originally published on 8th September, 2022. Thirteen responsible entities or trustees of investment funds have voluntarily…

5 September , 2022

Insurance in a Changing Climate – Event summary

The Insurance in a Changing Climate forum was held in Melbourne on 26 July 2022, with over 70 people attending from a range of sectors including financial counselling, consumer law, academia, government and industry. The event was hosted by Financial Counselling Victoria, the Brotherhood of St Laurence and the Melbourne Institute. Through three panel discussions, the forum…

8 August , 2022

Food and Agruculture Organization interview CFA Executive Ian Jarratt

Ian Jarratt, CFA Executive member and Queensland Consumers Association (QCA) member, was recently interviewed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations about the importance of food transparency, unit pricing, and the role that consumer associations need to play in the transformation of agri-food systems. In this interview, he talks about his experiences from…

8 August , 2022

How ‘bad credit’ lender Cigno has dodged ASIC’s grasp

Cigno is exactly the sort of business the Australian Securities and Investments Commission had in mind when it asked for stronger powers to ban the sale of harmful financial products. This is a news item from The Conversation. It was originally published on 5th August, 2022. If you are experiencing financial hardship contact the National Debt Helpline on 1800…

8 August , 2022

Family violence, child safety, funeral insurance in awards spotlight

A tenancy advocate and financial counsellor, a domestic violence support group, a child safety program and media stories about funeral insurance were the winners of the 2022 Consumer Protection Awards. This is a media release from The Government of Western Australia: Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety. It was originally published on 2nd August, 2022. The winners…

20 July , 2022

New funeral pricing transparency laws for Queensland

From 1 July 2022, funeral directors and businesses must comply with the Fair Trading (Funeral Pricing) Regulation 2022 which requires them to display an itemised price list on business websites and in-store. Businesses also need to display the price of your least expensive package for consumers wanting a simple funeral. The regulation aims to introduce greater price…