Articles Archives - Page 37 of 179 - Consumers' Federation of Australia

25 July , 2023

9 Out of 10 People Have Encountered a Scam in the Last 12 Months

New research from CHOICE has revealed 9 in 10 people suspect they have encountered at least one scam in the past 12 months, with over half of respondents encountering a suspected scam every week.

“Scams are increasing rapidly throughout Australia, often creating significant distress and financial hardship for victims. New technological advances mean scams are also becoming more difficult to identify. Our research found 88% of people say scams have become more sophisticated or harder to spot recently,” says CHOICE CEO Alan Kirkland.

21 July , 2023

CFA Accepts Uluru Statement from the Heart

Consumers’ Federation of Australia accepts the invitation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart to walk with our First Nations’ peoples to ensure a better future for all Australians. We see the Statement as being a generous invitation arrived at through the extensive Dialogues process, allowing us to unite a genuine process of reconciliation.

21 July , 2023

CGC Thematic Inquiry into Better Claims Decisions

The General Insurance Code Governance Committee (CGC) has just released a report, Thematic Inquiry into Making Better Claims Decisions, analysing instances from six insurance providers (who subscribe to the General Insurance Code of Practice) where initially denied claims were later accepted after an Internal Dispute Resolution (IDR) process.

20 July , 2023

Buy Now Pay Later – Debt Traps and Essentials

Financial Counselling Australia’s latest report, ‘Small Loans, Big Problems’, has highlighted once more the need for urgent reform to the Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), especially with the continued cost of living crisis and with many still feeling the impact of the 2022 floods.

20 July , 2023

Plastic Free July

Plastic Free July® is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities. Anyone can get involved, and you can start out small or really challenge yourself – find out what you can do by clicking here and visiting the Plastic Free July website.

20 July , 2023

Inquiry into Insurer Responses to 2022 Floods Announced

In 2022 almost all Australian Territories and States experienced substantial flood events with New South Wales and South-East Queensland some of the worst affected areas. Now, after months of coverage over poor and variable insurer responses to flood damage and coverage, the Albanese Government is launching an inquiry into insurer responses.

18 July , 2023

Cigno, BHF Solutions Found to Have Engaged in Unlicensed Conduct

ASIC has been successful in its action against Cigno Pty Ltd (Cigno) and BHF Solutions Pty Ltd (BHF Solutions), with the Federal Court finding that both companies engaged in credit activities without holding an Australian credit licence. ASIC also obtained permanent injunctions against Cigno and BHF Solutions to protect consumers.

The decision follows a series of appeals during the litigation, including an unsuccessful bid by Cigno and BHF Solutions to seek special leave in the High Court in December 2022 (22-360MR).

18 July , 2023

APRA, ASIC: Super trustees need to improve retirement outcomes planning’

A thematic review of how superannuation trustees are supporting their members under the Retirement Income Covenant has found that trustees need to make more progress to enhance retirement outcomes. The review was conducted jointly by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

17 July , 2023

Banking Code Compliance Committee Prioritises Bank@Post’s Compliance with the Code

The Banking Code Compliance Committee (BCCC) is working with the Australian Banking Association (ABA) to coordinate with 12 of its members to ensure banking services offered through Bank@Post comply with the Banking Code of Practice.

Bank@Post arrangements provide a valuable face-to-face service, particularly as banks close branches, especially in regional and remote areas.

The BCCC wants to ensure, as a priority, that important consumer protections have been implemented for the services banks offer through Bank@Post.

14 July , 2023

ACCC Publishes Draft Guidance to Improve Integrity Business’ Environmental Claims

The ACCC today published draft guidance to improve the integrity of environmental and sustainability claims made by businesses and protect consumers from ‘greenwashing’.

The draft guidance aims to address the concerning conduct identified by the ACCC’s recent greenwashing internet sweep, which found 57 per cent of businesses reviewed were making potentially misleading environmental claims.

14 July , 2023

Interim Authorisation for Electricity Industry to Coordinate Maintenance

The ACCC has granted interim authorisation for the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and electricity industry participants in the National Electricity Market to collaborate to ensure reliability of electricity supply during Australia’s transition towards renewable electricity.

12 July , 2023

Call for Digital Trade Standards Mentors

As part of the ASEAN-Australia Digital Trade Standards (DTS) Initiative, Standards Australia has launched the 2023 Fellowship Program. The program is designed to connect emerging professionals with leading experts in standardisation and digital trade across Australia and ASEAN.
Participation in the 2023 ASEAN-DTS Fellowship Program provides a valuable opportunity for both established and emerging professionals to meet, network, and collaborate with others in the field.