Articles Archives - Page 44 of 179 - Consumers' Federation of Australia

17 February , 2023

AGREEMENT REACHED ON REFORM OF CHARITABLE FUNDRAISING LAWS

Charities have long told their governments that they are wasting time complying with inconsistent and outdated fundraising rules across the states and territories. On one estimate, compliance requirements cost Australian charities more than $1 million per month. In their most recent meeting, the Commonwealth, state and territory Treasurers agreed to a set of nationally consistent…

16 February , 2023

ACCC launches inquiry into deposit interest rates

he ACCC will investigate how banks set interest rates for savers, including differences in interest rate increases between bank deposits and home loans after the Federal Government directed the ACCC to commence an inquiry into Australia’s retail deposit market. “We welcome this direction from the Government to shine a light on the retail deposit market…

15 February , 2023

ASIC publishes Framework to help deliver positive financial outcomes for First Nations people

ASIC today published its Indigenous Financial Services Framework (Framework). The Framework is part of ASIC’s role in supporting positive financial outcomes for First Nations people. A corner stone of ASIC developing its Framework was through extensive and thorough consultations with First Nations peoples, financial services industry representatives, as well as fellow Government Departments, Agencies, and…

14 February , 2023

Over $11 million back in the hands of Queensland consumers

Following a spike in consumer complaints since the pandemic, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has successfully clawed back more than $11.2 million for Queensland consumers in 2022, through refunds, repairs, replacements and other forms of compensation. More than 19,300 complaints were finalised by the OFT last year. The highest number of consumer complaints continued…

27 January , 2023

CFA submission cautions against ANZ proposed acquisition of Suncorp Bank

Consumers’ Federation of Australia has made a submission to the ACCC consultation, ANZ proposed acquisition of Suncorp Bank. The CFA considers that the proposed acquisition is likely to substantially lessen competition for retail banking services in Australia. We also consider the likely detriments of the proposed acquisition exceed any likely public benefits. CFA’s submission notes that ANZ’s proposed…

25 January , 2023

Household appliances – are they safe?

With the increased cost of living highlighted by growing inflation and interest rates, there is concern consumers may look for cheaper home electrical appliances, such as electric blankets, heaters, fans and other items by shopping online or purchasing while overseas. Purchasing, and using, electrical items that do not meet Australia’s strict standards represents a critical…

25 January , 2023

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Standing Data Consultation Paper

Electric vehicle (EV) charging is set to transform our electricity systems. The Energy Security Board (ESB) has published a consultation paper on Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Standing Data, seeking stakeholder feedback on the rationale for data collection, the potential scope of EVSE data coverage, potential data use cases and a range of implementation options including the collection…

24 January , 2023

Job Advertisement: CFA Communications and Administration Officer

Support consumer rights & advocacy across Australia Help the effective operations of a peak body Flexible role, including working-from-home (any location) and hybrid options The Consumers’ Federation of Australia is seeking a highly motivated administration and communications officer to support the running of this small but important peak body. You will need to be a…

10 December , 2022

Superannuation trustees on notice to uplift complaints handling

Superannuation trustees are on notice to improve their internal dispute resolution systems after a targeted review of trustee compliance with the enforceable complaints handling requirements found that some trustees had sub-standard arrangements for managing complaints. Report 751 Disputes and deficiencies: A review of complaints handling by superannuation trustees (REP 751) outlines ASIC’s findings on compliance…

29 November , 2022

Webinar: Is Insurance an Essential Service? Promoting affordability & accessibility for all

With extreme weather continuing to affect large parts of Australia, the importance of insurance is larger than ever. Following on from CFA’s webinar on UK’s System for Flood Insurance, this webinar will examine measures to improve affordability and access of general insurance, including home & contents insurance. December 7th 20221 – 2pm AEDT This event will…

28 November , 2022

Whistleblowing – have your say

People should be empowered to come forward to expose problems of wrongdoing and fraud to their organisations, the authorities or the media, whistleblowing is one of the most effective ways to detect and prevent corruption and other malpractice. Unfortunately, reporting often comes at a high price: whistle-blowers risk their career, their livelihood and sometimes their…

22 November , 2022

UK supermarkets asked to implement a 10 point action plan to improve food affordability

The UK consumer organisation Which? has launched a campaign – Affordable Food for All – because Which? says millions of families are skipping meals to survive the cost of living crisis and with the price of essential products soaring, supermarkets have a crucial role to play to help everyone. Which? also conducted a consumer survey…