Articles Archives - Page 48 of 180 - Consumers' Federation of Australia

20 July , 2022

Battery storage for households – Public comment invited on draft standard

With rising energy prices, home battery storage offers savings to consumers and an alternate to fossil fuels, read more here. Standards Australia has released a draft standard for public comment which will ensure consumers are provided with the information to meaningfully compare different battery manufacturers claims (and technologies). It defines standard testing protocols revealing the performance…

20 July , 2022

How much do you need to save for retirement?

After an extensive consultation process, new retirement savings targets for homeowners are ready to help Australians get started on their retirement plan. This is a media release from Super Consumers Australia. It was originally published on 18th July, 2022. “Among the most important financial questions retirement-planning Australians face is how much they need to save and what income…

20 July , 2022

New funeral pricing transparency laws for Queensland

From 1 July 2022, funeral directors and businesses must comply with the Fair Trading (Funeral Pricing) Regulation 2022 which requires them to display an itemised price list on business websites and in-store. Businesses also need to display the price of your least expensive package for consumers wanting a simple funeral. The regulation aims to introduce greater price…

20 July , 2022

Catriona Lowe nominated as ACCC deputy chair

Former Consumers’ Federation of Australia chairperson, and long-time consumer rights advocate Catriona Lowe has been nominated as Deputy Chairperson of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). This was written with information taken from a Government News post published on 14th July, 2022. Ms Lowe is due to take up the role on 27 January 2023.…

8 July , 2022

ASIC helps credit providers protect victims of family violence

ASIC has adopted a temporary no-action position to enable large banks (‘eligible licensees’) to withhold the reporting of certain credit information on consumer credit reports where reporting the information could lead to consumer harm, including where a consumer may be the victim of family violence. This is a media release from the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC).…

8 July , 2022

Worried about debt? Talk to your bank or creditors and avoid dodgy advice, warns AFSA

Australians are facing the perfect storm for increased financial insecurity in the next 12 months, making them vulnerable to dodgy insolvency advice. On the back of a tough few years of fire, drought, flood and the pandemic, rising interest rates and cost of living pressures mean that more Australians may struggle to pay their bills…

8 July , 2022

Natalie Cameron named Lead Ombudsman, Banking and Finance

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has announced the appointment of Natalie Cameron as its new Lead Ombudsman for Banking and Finance. This is a media release from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). It was originally published on 6th July, 2022. Natalie was appointed after an extensive executive recruitment process and moves into the position from her…

5 July , 2022

Australian consumers in their own words: new research from the CPRC

What does it mean to be a consumer in Australia? New research from the Consumer Policy Research Centre outlines how people across Australia describe their experiences and expectations of how business treat them. This is a media release from The Consumer Policy Research Centre (CPRC). It was originally published on 29th June, 2022. For more information about this research,…

1 July , 2022

Adverse Effects of Outdoor Lighting – Draft open for public comment

Artificial outdoor light is essential in our modern society; however poorly designed, directed and maintained lighting can cause problems. Light pollution is bad for us and for wildlife, so what can we do, read more here. Standards Australia has released a draft revised standard for Public Comment: AS/NZS 4282 Control of obtrusive effects for outdoor lighting which aims to…

28 June , 2022

Report backs greater support for vulnerable customers

Customer-owned banking institutions may need to step up support for consumers experiencing vulnerability as pressures on people increase and ahead of the introduction of more stringent obligations under a new Code of Practice, a new Report says. This is a media release from Customer Owned Banking Code Compliance Committee. It was originally published on 23rd June, 2022. While saying many…

28 June , 2022

Businesses on notice as mandatory button battery laws commence

Businesses which supply button batteries or products powered by them must now comply with mandatory button battery safety and information standards taking effect from today or face serious penalties, the ACCC warns. This is a media release from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission. It was originally published on 22nd June, 2022. “These world-first standards are a critical…

16 June , 2022

New vulnerable consumers standard ensures everyone gets a fair deal

Have you ever tried switching bank accounts online, only to end up feeling confused by the technology? Any situation in which an individual may be unable to engage fully or effectively in a market is considered consumer vulnerability read more here and watch the video. Protecting the most vulnerable people in society falls not just to government but…