Articles Archives - Page 51 of 179 - Consumers' Federation of Australia

14 March , 2022

Consumer Policy Agenda 2022 launched ahead of Federal Election

The Consumers’ Federation of Australia (CFA) has launched its Consumer Policy Agenda 2022. CFA is calling for new consumer policy reforms to be urgently implemented to put consumers in the economy recovery. Competition in key markets is flailing, consumer protections are falling behind best practice, and our institutional arrangements for consumer protection are not supporting…

14 March , 2022

Protecting the Basics report highlights insurance gaps

South Australian Council of Social Service (SACOSS) has released a new report: Protecting the Basics: Insurance access for people on low incomes at risk from climate emergencies. The report finds that there is a significant proportion of people in South Australia on low incomes with uninsured homes, contents, and cars because they can’t afford insurance. It…

14 March , 2022

Country of Origin Labelling for Food evaluation released

The Federal Government has released its evaluation of Country of Origin Labelling for Food reforms. The evaluation began 2 years after the reforms came into full effect in 2018 and took 12 months. The evaluation: found that the Country of Origin Labelling for Food reforms were well implemented, effective and met its objectives, and recommended…

11 March , 2022

Confusing insurance definitions for extreme weather events must be standardised

Australians who face devastating property losses following natural disasters such as the recent floods confront further hardship when trying to claim on their insurance because of confusing terms and conditions and fine print limitations in their policies. This is a media release from Financial Rights Legal Centre. It was originally published on 10th March, 2022. A new report…

9 March , 2022

Can my watch, TV or other Internet of Things device be a cyber risk?

More and more everyday objects are connecting to the internet and while these “smart” devices offer benefits to consumers, they come with cyber risks when not developed and maintained with security in mind and often lack the security capabilities of traditional computer products. There is growing concern about the rising threats stemming from insecure consumer IoT devices.…

8 March , 2022

Why do we need more women on standards committees? (International Women’s Day 8 March)

In a world designed by men, men’s participation in standardisation is twice as high as women’s. Many standards for products and services do not adequately address how women and men may be affected differently, and yet women influence between 64%-85% of all buying decisions globally. The use of standards and technical regulations are powerful tools to attain UN Sustainable Development…

17 February , 2022

ACCAN Welcomes 2021 Regional Telecommunications Review Findings

The release of the 2021 Regional Telecommunications Review holds promise for better connectivity for regional, rural and remote Australians, according to the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN). This is a media release from the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN). It was originally published on 15th February, 2022. The Regional Telecommunications Review is a tri-annual process which plays…

10 February , 2022

FCA welcomes tough stance by ACMA on unlawful spamming by Sportsbet

Financial counsellors applaud the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for imposing the largest penalty ever given a fine of $2.5 million on Sportsbet. This is a media release from Financial Counselling Australia. It was originally published on 10th February, 2022. The betting company will also refund customers $1.2 million after an extensive ACMA investigation found it had…

10 February , 2022

Phone and internet complaints decline for fifth consecutive period

The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman’s Quarter Two Complaints Report shows phone and internet complaints declined for the fifth consecutive period. This is a media release from the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman. It was originally published on 9th February, 2022. Residential consumers and small businesses made 18,386 complaints, a decrease of 14.2 per cent compared to the previous quarter, and 39.7…

10 February , 2022

New research finds Tinder Plus price discrimination is a worldwide issue: CHOICE releases open “love letter” asking Tinder Australia to stop unethical data use

Following CHOICE’s 2020 investigation into Tinder’s discriminatory pricing practices in Australia, new research by Consumers International and the Mozilla Foundation has found that Tinder Plus users in several other countries are being unknowingly charged more based on their personal information. This is a media release from CHOICE. It was originally published on 9th February, 2022. The research found that Tinder…

8 February , 2022

An interview with Paul Loney: representing consumer interests in standards development for 18 years

A conversation with CFA Standards Representative Paul Loney about his participation in standards development, what his work looks like today and what keeps him excited to represent consumers. How long have you worked in standards development and can you tell me about some changes you’ve seen in that time? I’ve been representing consumers in standards…

8 February , 2022

A guidance guarantee for all: Super Consumers Australia calls for improvements to retirement guidance

Quality financial advice can improve financial security, give greater peace of mind and the freedom to pursue lifestyle goals. Super Consumers Australia has used this year’s Budget submission to call for the Government to investigate solutions to guarantee trusted guidance so all Australians can achieve these same goals. This is a media release from Super Consumers Australia. It…