Articles Archives - Page 12 of 180 - Consumers' Federation of Australia

8 August , 2024

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

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…

6 August , 2024

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

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…

6 August , 2024

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

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…

5 August , 2024

Keep Australia Beautiful Week – 5-11 August 2024

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…

2 August , 2024

Telco Accessibility Taskforce Accepting Expressions of Interest

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…

1 August , 2024

ICAN Launches Yarnin’ Energy as Cost of Living Crisis Continues

ICAN’s Yarnin’ Energy project launched earlier this month after receiving funding from the Queensland Department of Energy and Climate’s, Enable Grants Program. ICAN CEO, Aaron Davis, said, “Inflation has seriously impacted household budgets and higher energy costs contribute to the current cost of living crisis. We’re excited to launch our Yarnin’ Energy project, which combines,…

31 July , 2024

Calls for Airline and Airport Accessibility Standards

Wheelchair user and disability advocate, Akii Ngo says accessibility standards for air travel must be drastically improved following an accident in May 2022. Akii fell from a Jetstar aisle chair while being pushed by a Jetstar staff member as they disembarked. The way the staff member operated the chair contributed to Akii’s accident. Akii says this…

31 July , 2024

First Nations-led Study on Lived Experience of Energy in Communities Launches

A new, first-of-its-kind First Nations-led research project has launched today, to improve energy security and consumer protections for customers accessing electricity services through pre-payment arrangements. Prepaid metering is mandated in many regional and remote Aboriginal communities and is associated with a high rate of disconnections and energy insecurity. Consumer protections for those customers vary across…

26 July , 2024

New Research Highlights Sorry State of Consumer Experience and Trust with Telcos

New research commissioned by the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) shows more than 75 percent of Australians have experienced some form of vulnerability in the last 12 months. The research, produced via a partnership between the Consumer Policy Research Centre (CPRC) and the TIO unearthed a suite of sobering assessments in relation to the vulnerability of the consumer…

26 July , 2024

Mandatory Safety Standards for Infant Products Introduced

The Albanese Government has implemented the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s recommendation to make new mandatory safety and information standards for infant sleep products. The ACCC estimates that parents tragically lose ten babies every year due to unsafe sleeping and inclined non?sleep products in Australia. The Government’s new mandatory standards will aim to reduce the…

25 July , 2024

Money Yarns, Stronger Futures – Highlighting Challenges and Bold Recommendations

The Consumer Action Law Centre has today released a groundbreaking report titled Money Yarns, Stronger Futures. The report amplifies the voices of First Nations people, sharing their personal experiences to shed light on the significant challenges they face in achieving financial prosperity. Money Yarns, Stronger Futures not only highlights these challenges but also offers bold recommendations for both…

25 July , 2024

EWON Board Community Director Opportunity

The Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON) is currently accepting nominations for the EWON Board Community Director position. The position is a three year term starting from 31 October 2024 with nominations closing 26/07/2024. From EWON’s website: The Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON) is calling for nominations for one Community Director for the EWON…