Articles

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The Consumer Policy Research Centre (CPRC) has just released a new research report Let me out – Subscription trap practices in Australia (published August 2024, written by Chandni Gupta, with thanks to CHOICE and Swetha Meenal Ananthapadmanaban) detailing harmful subscription trap practices in Australia and their affect on consumers. Additionally, the report explains best practices…

Read More New Report on Subscription Traps in Australia and Best Practices Going Forward

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The ACCC is proposing to grant authorisation for ResiLoop to establish and operate a voluntary, industry-led product stewardship scheme (the Scheme) that collects and recycles resilient flooring waste. Resilient flooring is floorcoverings made from natural mineral fillers combined with materials such as vinyl, linoleum or rubber. Approximately 60,000 tonnes of resilient flooring waste is generated each year…

Read More ACCC Seeks Feedback on Proposed Flooring Recycling Scheme

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Australia’s peak communications consumer body, ACCAN, welcomes today’s joint announcement from major telcos Telstra and Optus that the shutdown of 3G networks will be delayed until 28 October. ACCAN yesterday called on the Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland to delay the shutdown due to health and safety concerns particularly with the ongoing access to triple zero services…

Read More Advocates Welcome Extension of 3G Network

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As a financial ombudsman, AFCA is a for-purpose organisation that provides a free service for individuals and small businesses. AFCA listen to and work with their customers and financial firms to find solutions to complaints which have gone unheard or unresolved. This is your opportunity to make a difference. AFCA is seeking interested Industry and…

Read More Australian Financial Complaints Authority – Consumer Panel Members

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Following the announcement of Gerard Brody’s appointment as the new incoming Chair of Essential Services Commission in Victoria, it is with mixed emotions that the CFA Executive Team announce he will be stepping down as Chair of Consumers’ Federation of Australia (CFA) as of 15 August 2024. Serving as Chair for over 7 years, Gerard…

Read More Consumers’ Federation of Australia Farewells a Consumer Movement Icon

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With ongoing cost of living pressures impacting household budgets, the Consumer Affairs Victoria has come up with some tips to help you become an informed and savvy consumer and to save some money along the way. When you shop, think carefully before you buy. Learn more about consumer guarantees here. Save at the checkout by…

Read More Top Consumer Tips to Beat Cost of Living Pressures

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The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) is proposing amendments to their Terms of Reference in response to the 2022 Independent Review, correcting drafting issues, and recent legislative change. From the TIO (original here): The proposed changes are limited to responding to recent legislative change, implementing recommendations from the 2022 Independent Review and correcting drafting issues. We…

Read More Consultation on TIO’s Proposed Changes to the Terms of Reference

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The ACCC is investigating the safety of aftermarket children’s car seat head straps and baby bottle self-feeding devices, after the Assistant Treasurer issued Safety Warning Notices for each of the products. The safety warning notices warn consumers of the possible risks of injury or death to infants and children associated with the use of these products. “The ACCC…

Read More Safety Warnings Issued for Children’s Seat Head Straps and Self-Feeding Baby Bottles

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The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) received a record number of complaints in 2023-24 after disputes to the ombudsman service increased 9 per cent to more than 105,000 for the year. Complaints about scams, online and personal transaction accounts, credit cards, and personal loans all saw significant increases. Consumer Action Law Centre CEO Stephanie Tonkin…

Read More Advocates Continue Call for Reimbursement Policy as Scam Complaints to AFCA go ‘off the charts’

When you're out and about... leave only your footprints. 5-11 AUG 2024 Keep Australia Beautiful Week Do the right thing, keep Australia clean. In collaboration with Landcare Australia, Landcare Week

The vision for the future is for every Australian to feel inspired and empowered to take action that helps to protect our environment for generations to come. Keep Australia Beautiful has championed the Do The Right Thing message for over fifty years find out more here. You can personally make a difference while “out and…

Read More Keep Australia Beautiful Week – 5-11 August 2024

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The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman is establishing a Telco Accessibility Task Force to remove the barriers to effective dispute resolution in the telecommunications industry and improve the industry’s ability to address consumer issues. We are calling for expressions of interest to join the Task Force from cross-sector leaders and decision-makers at telecommunications providers, consumer groups, relevant…

Read More Telco Accessibility Taskforce Accepting Expressions of Interest