Articles Archives - Page 29 of 180 - Consumers' Federation of Australia

3 November , 2023

ACCC Urges Consumers to Shop Around for NBN Deals, Retailers on Notice

“We are concerned where we see advertising by NBN retailers that suggests households need to be on 50 Mbps or even 100 Mbps plans to stream multiple shows at once, when a less expensive plan may be sufficient. Of course, some households may have a preference for the higher speed tiers, but we want to make sure that customers have clear and accurate information to guide their decisions.”
As a result of these changes, the maximum wholesale prices for some NBN speed tiers will initially reduce, including prices for the most affordable services, while some others will increase. For instance, the wholesale prices for the 100 Mbps and 25 Mbps speed tiers will initially decrease, while the wholesale price for the 50 Mbps speed tier will increase.

2 November , 2023

Concern Remains Over Under-Reporting of Insurance Code Breaches and Complaints

The report, based on data sourced from Code subscribers’ Annual Compliance Statements (ACS) reveals that a notable 175 brokers reported no breaches, and 152 reported no complaints in the reporting period.

Chair of the IBCCC, Oscar Shub, expressed concern over these findings.

1 November , 2023

ASIC to Take “strong regulatory action” in Light of Second Publication on the Reportable Situations Regime

‘The reportable situations regime has now been in place for over two years, and licensees have had ample time to take the necessary steps to ensure full compliance with the requirements,’ said ASIC Chair Joseph Longo.

‘Since its commencement, ASIC has been working with stakeholders to improve the operation of the reportable situations regime, including through providing guidance and modifications. ASIC will now move to taking stronger regulatory action to drive improved compliance with the regime, including enforcement action where appropriate.’

31 October , 2023

Have Your Say: New Advocacy in Ageing and Disability Standard Opens for Public Consultation

People with a disability and older persons are some of the most vulnerable in Australia. They need to have their voice heard on issues that are important to them to protect and promote their rights. For this reason, the requirements established by a new Draft Standard on Ageing and Disability is to provide uniform minimum…

30 October , 2023

Initial Report and Recommendations from the First Nations Digital Inclusion Published

Digital inclusion is a deeply complex issue, with access, affordability and digital ability all playing a role in the extent to which First Nations people and communities are digitally included.

Digital inclusion enables a range of benefits, including supporting economic participation, access to government services, social connectedness, and enjoyment of entertainment and leisure activities.

30 October , 2023

Guidelines for Plant-Based Product Labelling

This information is shared so consumer representatives can keep up-to-date with developments in industry food labelling.

27 October , 2023

AFCA Publishes 2022-2023 Annual Review, Updates AFCA Datacube

From 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023, AFCA received 96,987 complaints from consumers and small businesses – 34% more than the year before, and the most ever received by AFCA.

26 October , 2023

General Insurance CGC’s Annual Report Released

“In times of increasing crises, it is imperative that the insurance industry adapts to keep consumers at the forefront of its efforts. We will not accept subscribers using the same excuses in relation to poor handling of claims and complaints due to increased volumes.”

26 October , 2023

‘Don’t get burnt by hype’ the Launch of ASIC’s Latest Consumer Awareness Campaign

ASIC has today launched a consumer campaign to raise awareness of the risk associated with investment hype to coincide with the Australian release of Dumb Money, a new film about the GameStop short squeeze episode in 2021.

25 October , 2023

Inquiry into the capability of law enforcement to respond to cybercrime

The Consumers’ Federation of Australia (CFA) was recently contacted (below) by and about the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Law Enforcement’s new inquiry into cybercrime. As per our new Strategic Plan, CFA will not be writing up a separate submission but will instead network and assist members and other consumer advocates and organisations with their submissions.…

25 October , 2023

Over 20 Advocates and Researchers Call for Urgent Privacy Reform

“We know all too well the harm that inadequate privacy protections cause. Gambling companies hound at-risk people with targeted advertising, data brokers sell our information without consent, and automated systems discriminate against marginalised people. We’ve also seen millions of consumers harmed by data breaches when businesses store too much personal information,” says CHOICE Senior Campaigns and Policy Advisor, Rafi Alam.

25 October , 2023

ACMA consults on new protections for telco consumers in financial hardship

The proposed standard will apply to all carriage service providers who deal with residential, small business and not-for-profit customers. It will enhance protections for telco customers who are (or may be) experiencing financial hardship through the provision of information and appropriate financial support to help them meet their payment obligations and remain connected to essential telco services.

The standard must be made by 15 February 2024 and commence by 29 March 2024.

We invite submissions on the draft Telecommunications (Financial Hardship) Industry Standard 2024 by 5 pm (AEDT) on Friday 24 November 2023.