News Archives - Page 55 of 56 - Consumers' Federation of Australia

15 November , 2011 0 comments

Stronger response needed to ensure consumers are protected in times of disaster

CFA member the Consumer Action Law Centre has expressed disappointment with the Government’s initial response to the National Disaster Insurance Review (NDIR) Panel’s report which it labelled as ‘indecisive’. While the Centre welcomed moves towards a system which would see more Australians covered by flood insurance, it raised concerns about the proposed ‘opt out’ model and has lamented the lack of tangible interim measures in the Government’s response.

15 November , 2011 0 comments

Standard definition of flood in insurance policies + mandatory offer +/- affordability?

The Commonwealth has accepted a proposal to introduce a standard definition of flood and compel insurers to include a flood cover option in all home and contents insurance. This will mean consumers (generally) get two prices in an insurance contract offer: with and without flood cover.

14 November , 2011 0 comments

Auto repair problems get National Interest: service costs out of control; computers to blame?

In its submission to the Consumer Affairs Advisory Council’s inquiry into .. the Automobile Association has provided detailed information about the cost of motor vehicle repairs – and there are worrying trends. Repairs have risen much faster than inflation, while new car prices have risen much more slowly.

8 November , 2011 0 comments

Is eBay selling consumers short?

CFA member the Consumer Action Law Centre has taken its concerns about outdated and potentially misleading information on eBay.com.au to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) after eBay International AG (eBay) failed to respond to the centre’s letter outlining its concerns.

25 October , 2011 0 comments

Two energy companies permanently abandon door to door sales

The UK’s Consumer Focus reports that two major energy companies have permanently ceased using door to door selling in their marketing.

25 October , 2011 0 comments

Telecommunications Consumer Protections Industry Code released for comment

Communications Alliance has released the long awaited consumer protection code and now invites public comment.

23 October , 2011 0 comments

Productivity Commission reconfirms need for national consumer advocacy and research

The Productivity Commission’s report on its Inquiry into Australia’s Urban Water Sector is a mixed bag for water consumers, but it strongly endorses the need for consumer advocacy on water policy and on consumer policy generally.

22 October , 2011 0 comments

Momentum building around kilojoule-counts on fast food menu boards

CFA member CHOICE updates it’s better food labelling campaign.

17 October , 2011 0 comments

Cash Converters lending practices challenged in court

A disability support pensioner, Ronald Hayes, has taken legal action against Australian’s biggest payday lender in the Victorian Magistrates Court.

17 October , 2011 0 comments

Nearly the end for high cost 1800 and 13 calls from mobile phones

ACCAN and Financial Counselling Australia are celebrating a major step forward in the Fair Calls for All campaign.

16 October , 2011 0 comments

The “Nanny State” cleans up at IQ squared debate

“Nanny state” is an ideological term invented by extremists to deride the innovations of modern law and government designed to offer consumers and citizens protections from risks that it is unreasonable to place on individuals alone. Of course many who now use the term d so innocently and now are merely concerned that in some…

12 October , 2011 0 comments

Profound changes to urban water services recommended

The Productivity Commission has released the final report on its inquiry into Australia’s urban water sector, proposing profound changes to the way water services are provided in cities and regional towns across Australia. Along the way it restated its support for national funding of a peak consumer advocacy organisation.