Articles Archives - Page 43 of 181 - Consumers' Federation of Australia

Image 19 April , 2023

ACCC Calls for United Front as Scammers Steal Over $3bn from Australians

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has just released its 2022 Targeting Scams report in which it found an 80% increase in total losses compared to 2021. Using data from regulators and government agencies, the report highlights the need for further collaboration between government bodies, banks, regulators, telcos, and digital platforms to close “significant…

Image 18 April , 2023

Your data, open for inspection: CHOICE raises alarm on RentTech

Media release from CHOICE 18/04/2023. New national research from CHOICE has revealed over 40% of renters have been pressured to use RentTech to apply for a home – putting them at risk of data breaches, extra costs and exclusion from housing. Some tenants are also being forced to use these third-party rental platforms, such as…

18 April , 2023

CFA Response to Proposed Suncorp-ANZ merger

The Consumers’ Federation of Australia has made a further submission to the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) about the proposed merger of ANZ Banks and Suncorp Bank. The submission, following the publication of ACCC’s preliminary views, agrees with the ACCC that there are regulatory and structural barriers for smaller providers and newer entrants in…

Image 13 April , 2023

ACCC: Reform of merger laws critical for Australia’s economic transition

Below is a media release (12/04/2023) from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) regarding current Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb’s speech to the National Press Club on the need to reform merger laws in Australia. A full transcript of the speech is available from the ACCC’s website here. Australia’s merger laws are no longer fit for…

Image 11 April , 2023

COTA: Don’t lock vulnerable Australians out of banking

The trend towards digital and cashless banking is already negatively impacting many vulnerable Australians as COTA (Council on the Ageing) highlighted in their recent media release, as seen below: The closure of cash services at bank branches risks cutting off access to vital and basic banking services for many older Australians, particularly our most vulnerable,…

Image 11 April , 2023

Direct Debit for Telcos and Utilities a Problem for Vulnerable Consumers

The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN), along with the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC), has found that while direct debit may work for some consumers direct debits automatic system and lack of flexibility created unfair additional costs and financial distress for vulnerable consumers. In a media release (05/04/2023) ACCAN said: A thriving and competitive…

Image 6 April , 2023

Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Learn what makes AI tick

Today, over 50% of organizations worldwide report using some form of AI in their operations, but many people still lack foundational knowledge concerning what AI is, or its potential risks, benefits, and impacts. CSIRO’s Everyday AI shows this technology is not science fiction but very much a reality shaping our everyday lives. Destination AI, a…

Image 6 April , 2023

APRA Launches Public Consultation on Banks’ ‘Points of Presence’ Data

Media release from Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), originally released here on 4/04/2023 The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) is launching a public consultation on its “points of presence” data – the data APRA collects and publishes on physical banking service channels in Australia. APRA publishes a detailed listing of the number of bank branches,…

Image 4 April , 2023

Now is the time to make positive reforms to bankruptcy laws say consumer advocates

From Consumer Action Law Centre, Released 03/04/2023. Original here. Consumer advocates around Australia have welcomed moves by Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus KC MP to reform bankruptcy laws. Last month, consumer advocates attended a Ministerial Roundtable on Personal Insolvency to discuss pressure points in the current system, critical reform areas and longer-term strategic challenges with the Attorney-General and…

Image 4 April , 2023

IBCCC Publishes its 2021 Annual Data Report: Insurance brokers need to embrace a culture of reporting

From Insurance Brokers Code Compliance Committee 04/04/2023 Media Release. The Insurance Brokers Code Compliance Committee (IBCCC) has urged insurance brokers to recognise the importance of reporting breaches following a concerning finding in its latest Annual Data Report. The IBCCC’s report, which looks at the performance of insurance brokers subscribed to the Insurance Brokers Code of Practice, found…

Image 3 April , 2023

6 Out of 7 Australians Don’t Feel Their Data is Safe with Businesses

From the Consumer Policy Research Centre, originally released here on 29/03/2023. The latest research from the Consumer Policy Research Centre (CPRC), has found that most Australians don’t feel businesses are doing enough to keep their data safe. While 84 per cent agree a company should be responsible for keeping their data safe, only 15 per…

Image 29 March , 2023

TIO Submission for Digital Platforms Ombudsman

Following the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Digital Platform Services inquiry in 2019, and the Treasury’s recent follow-up consultation the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) placed a submission late February 2023 to expand their remit from telecommunications to digital platform services (e.g. search engines, apps). The TIO has supported the proposal for a Digital Platforms…