Articles Archives - Page 71 of 180 - Consumers' Federation of Australia

22 April , 2020

Petrol retailers should reduce their prices in line with falls in international petrol prices: ACCC

Petrol retailers should not use the current pandemic to further increase profits, which the latest ACCC petrol industry report shows have risen in recent years, and should pass on the full benefit of falling oil prices to motorists, the ACCC has said. Weekly average international crude oil prices have decreased by around US$ 50 per barrel since…

22 April , 2020

“Banks need to go further on their coronavirus response”: CHOICE

Consumer advocate CHOICE is urging Australian banks to go further in their response to COVID-19, flagging that many Australians are still being harmed by high cost credit cards, personal loans and long term debt. “We welcome that many banks have announced initial support packages for customers but we know they can go further. We have…

8 April , 2020

Managing the impacts of COVID-19 disruption on consumers and business

At the Gartner CEO Forum today, ACCC Chair Rod Sims spoke with a group of 70 CEOs and senior executives from a range of companies across Australasia about how the ACCC’s priorities have shifted to respond to the impact of COVID-19 on consumers and businesses. Below is a transcript of his speech. COVID-19 Taskforce The ACCC…

7 April , 2020

ISO standards relevant to COVID-19 made free to access

International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) has compiled a list of standards to support global efforts in dealing with the COVID 19 crisis. Available standards include protective gloves, lung ventilators and other medical devices, and risk management guidelines. They are freely available in read-only format here.

7 April , 2020

Five factors driving sustainable consumption

The sustainable consumer is a key element of a better world and essential to overcoming adverse events such as pandemics. According to Consumers International, five major factors will drive sustainable consumption in the future: Consumer demand for more sustainability information Sustainable mobility and ridesharing Circular design and sustainable fashion The drive for sustainable packaging Building products to last –…

6 April , 2020

Scammers targeting superannuation in COVID-19 crisis

Scammers are now trying to exploit Australians financially impacted by the COVID-19 crisis with new superannuation scams being reported to Scamwatch in recent weeks. Scammers are already trying to take advantage of the Government’s recent announcement that people suffering financial hardship can have partial access to their superannuation from mid-April. “Scammers are cold-calling people claiming…

6 April , 2020

Telco companies are failing people in financial hardship

Consumer Action Law Centre has released the following statement in response to a report by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) on fiancial hardhip in the telco industry. A report released this week by ACMA shows that telco providers are not adequately identifying and supporting customers experiencing financial hardship. The ACMA reports shows that…

3 April , 2020

ASIC warns of unlicensed financial advice by real estate agents to tenants

ASIC has written a letter to the real estate institutes in each state outlining concerns about some real estate agents who are advising tenants to apply for early release of their superannuation. AISC warns that such conduct by real estate agents may be in contravention of the Corporations Act as it may may constitute unlicensed…

2 April , 2020

Telco financial hardship policies critical during COVID-19

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is reminding consumers that there are options available if they are experiencing financial distress and struggling to pay their telco bills. ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin said that telcos have financial hardship programs available to support Australian consumers facing difficulties. “Telecommunication services are playing a critical role in keeping Australians connected…

31 March , 2020

“Penalties for not taking up private health cover must be suspended”: CHOICE

Consumer advocate says Lifetime Health Cover Loading should be suspended in light of COVID-19 financial pressures Consumer advocate CHOICE is calling on the Federal Government to suspend consumer penalties for not taking up private health insurance in light of the COVID-19 crisis. The advocacy group says the Government should add an extra 365 days to…

30 March , 2020

Ecstra Response and recovery grants to assist community organisations during COVID-19

Applications are now open for a grant pool of $3,000,000 to be submitted by 30 April 2020. Ecstra Foundation is a new not for profit organisation committed to building the financial capability of all Australians within a fair financial system. GRANT OVERVIEW Eligible organisations may apply for up to three $100,000 grants Open to established consumer organisations with DGR 1 status Applications close 30…

30 March , 2020

ACCC response to COVID-19 pandemic

The ACCC is highly conscious of the impact COVID-19 is having on Australian consumers and businesses, and has adjusted the focus of its regulatory activities accordingly. Most businesses are facing severe disruption, particularly small businesses, and the future is uncertain for many. The ACCC will factor these circumstances into its consideration of competition matters in…