Articles

Drawing of a toy for an infant. If has a smiling face, string coming out of its head and a segmented body ending in a teething ring. Drawing of a toy for an infant. If has a smiling face, string coming out of its head and a segmented body ending in a teething ring.

The ACCC will enforce the new toy safety standard which will make it mandatory for all toys marketed at children under three to adhere to strict design and testing requirements ensuring toys do not contain small parts.

Read More New Mandatory Safety Standards to Protect Children from Choking Hazards

Shared Vision for a Better World Standards for SDGs World Standards Day: 14 October IEC, ISO, ITU

Saturday October 14th is World Standards Day, a time to acknowledge and celebrate the work of the thousands of people around the world who dedicate their time and effort into creating technical voluntary standards. This year’s theme for World Standards Day is ‘a shared vision for a better world’, CFA’s Standards Project Manager, Regina Godfredson, has prepared a short piece for the occasion.

Read More World Standards Day: Shared Vision for a Better World

A yellow lightbulb with a dollar sign inside. A yellow lightbulb with a dollar sign inside.

The Australian Energy Regulator’s (AER) latest State of the energy market report highlights that the energy system in 2023 experienced fewer shocks and better outcomes than in the preceding year, however many of the vulnerabilities observed in 2022 remain. 

The report reveals some improved outcomes in wholesale energy markets with average wholesale electricity prices significantly lower than the record highs seen in 2022. Wholesale gas prices also declined significantly from 2022 but remain high by historical standards.

Read More AER Highlights Better Outcomes but Continue Challenges

A cartoon battery with low, dark yellow charge. In front of it is a drawing of the charging symbol. A cartoon battery with low, dark yellow charge. In front of it is a drawing of the charging symbol.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission today published its latest report on consumer product safety and lithium-ion or Li-ion batteries – the type of batteries used in personal electronic devices, renewable energy storage, and e-vehicles. The report, available here in pdf and audio form, is part of the ACCC’s 2022-23 and 2023-234 priority on product…

Read More ACCC Report on Lithium-Ion and Consumer Product Safety Urges a ‘Multi-Faceted Approach’

A drawing of a piece of white paper with a pie chart at the top and writing at the bottom, both in blue ink. The background behind the drawing is a light grey with a shadow extending from the page to the bottom right. A drawing of a piece of white paper with a pie chart at the top and writing at the bottom, both in blue ink. The background behind the drawing is a light grey with a shadow extending from the page to the bottom right.

The Life Insurance Code Compliance Committee (Life CCC) prioritised supporting a smooth transition to the new Code of Practice in 2022-23, according to its Annual Report.

The Annual Report 2022-23, published today, noted how the work of the Life CCC helped life insurers to proceed with clarity in aligning systems, processes and practices to new obligations in the Code.

The new obligations and additional consumer protections came into effect on 1 July 2023.

Read More Life Insurance Code Compliance Committee Releases First Annual Report Under the New Code of Practice

building blocks, creative, colors-5097836.jpg building blocks, creative, colors-5097836.jpg

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) yesterday released the second interim report for their 2022-23 inquiry into childcare. Included in the report are draft findings and recommendations on the costs, profitability and viability, policy, and effectiveness of market regulations specific to the Australian childcare sector – with reference to other OECD countries which largely…

Read More Market Forces Fail to Deliver Accessible and Affordable Childcare

private, privacy, green-1647769.jpg private, privacy, green-1647769.jpg

Original media release from the Hon. Mark Dreyfus KC MP (28/09/2023). The Albanese Government has committed to stronger privacy protections for Australians in its response today to the landmark review of the Privacy Act. Australians increasingly rely on digital technologies for work, education, health care and daily commercial transactions and to connect with loved ones.…

Read More Government to Strengthen Privacy Protections

Switchboard, open to the switches and with blue and black wires above and below.

From 30 September, energy bills will be easier for consumers to understand as energy retailers comply with the new billing obligations in the Australian Energy Regulator’s (AER) Better Bills Guideline.

Retailers must now include a ‘better offer’ statement on the front page of their bill. This statement must tell the customer if the retailer can offer a better deal, which could include the retailer’s standing offer, and include details of how to switch plans.

Read More Mandatory Better Bills Guideline to Simplify Energy Bills for Consumers

circle, hands, teamwork-312343.jpg circle, hands, teamwork-312343.jpg

Last week, Standards Australia hosted the ISO Annual Meeting  in Brisbane – the first time it’s been held in Australia for 20 years. Presented over five days in virtual, hybrid and in-person sessions with more than 4000 participants from over 140 countries (500 in-person) under the theme “Meeting Global Needs”. The event covered some of the most important issues facing the world.

Read More World Issues and How Standards Can Help