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The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) has released the report ‘A time for change – Three years of systemic investigations in review’, calling for improved consumer protections through stronger regulation in the telco sector, and the establishment of a registration scheme for telcos.

Read More “Current rules no longer fit for purpose”: TIO Calls for New Rules to Better Protect Consumers

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The Federal Parliament has passed the Treasury Laws Amendment (Financial Services Compensation Scheme of Last Resort) Bill 2023 to establish an industry-funded compensation scheme of last resort for victims of financial misconduct. Quotes attributable to Alan Kirkland, Chief Executive Officer of CHOICE: “The introduction of a compensation scheme of last resort is an historic moment…

Read More “Historic moment for consumer financial protection”: CHOICE on the passage of compensation scheme of last resort 

ACCC product safety: sleep your baby safe. Putting your baby to sleep flat on their back is the safest way for them to sleep

Infant incline products may be marketed for sleep, however they are unsafe for babies to sleep in. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) advises reports indicate 151 babies in Australia have died in inclined products such as rockers, bouncers, and on propped items.

Read More Infant Inclined Product and Sudden Death

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Consumer groups and the financial counselling sector have welcomed the launch of a new customer code for the energy sector.

The Knock to Stay Connected customer code requires network companies to visit people at risk of disconnection and encourages them to outline the support and referral services available if the customer is having payment difficulties, with the aim of keeping them connected.

Read More Knock to Stay Connected: National Customer Code Welcomed by Consumer Groups

International Button Battery Awareness Day

Australia’s first International Button Battery Awareness Day  aims to spread further awareness about the dangers of button batteries among schools, parents, caregivers and childhood educators through the delivery of an educational program designed for early childhood and primary school aged children.  In Australia, around 20 children a week present to an emergency department with a button…

Read More Button Battery Awareness Day 12th June 2023

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Original media release (7/06/2023) from the Treasurer, The Hon Dr Jim Chalmers MP: The Albanese Government is taking the next important steps to modernise the way Australians make and receive payments. The Strategic Plan for Australia’s Payments System released today presents a roadmap for the development of the sector. Our vision is for a modern, world?class and…

Read More Modernising the Payment System

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Fraudsters are impersonating banks over SMS and phone calls, creating elaborate scams that are difficult to spot

Vulnerabilities in SMS and phone networks currently allow the scams to flourish, but experts say a new registry will help close these loopholes

In the meantime, consumers are urged to watch out for messages and calls from their bank urgently asking them to transfer money

Read More SMS and Bank Impersonation Fraud – What you need to know to avoid being scammed