Articles Archives - Page 83 of 179 - Consumers' Federation of Australia

21 November , 2018

Regional coalition repeats call for reform to telecoms services

The Regional, Rural and Remote Communications Coalition has again called for the Australian Government to introduce much needed reforms to underpin the delivery of telecommunications services across Australia. The RRRCC repeated its call when responding to the government’s proposals, flagged in a Department of Communications and the Arts consultation paper, which focuses on the reliability…

15 November , 2018

ACCAN welcomes new complaint powers for telco customers

The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) welcomes today’s release of the Federal Government’s report on Complaints Handling and Consumer Redress in the telecommunications industry. As Australia’s peak body representing telecommunications consumers, ACCAN has argued that better regulation in telecommunications is needed to safeguard the interests of consumers. The Government’s report acknowledges this need. “We…

9 November , 2018

Proposed fees for gift card users

Gift card users may be unfairly penalised for querying charges if proposed regulations go ahead. The Federal Government is consulting on draft legislation which would permit the charging of post-supply fees and fees for disputing transactions. CFA supports the submission made by member organisation, the Queensland Consumers’ Association (QCA), calling for disputed card fees or charges…

5 November , 2018

Convertible tricycle strollers – have your say

Recent surveillance activities by the ACCC have identified many convertible tricycle strollers did not have important safety features such as brakes, appropriate harnesses, tether straps or suitable warnings required under the standard. There are a wide variety of tricycles currently for sale in the market. Some tricycles closely resemble a traditional tricycle (sometimes with a…

30 October , 2018

Hydrogen – A fuel for the 21st century

Like natural gas, hydrogen can be used to heat buildings and power vehicles. Unlike natural gas or petrol, when hydrogen is burned there are no CO2 emissions. The only by-products are water vapour and heat. Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, not freely available as a gas on Earth but bound into…

20 October , 2018

ACCC & ASIC given stronger powers over unfair contract terms

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) will have investigative powers to assess whether a term in a standard form contract may be unfair, thanks to measures passed in the Parliament by the Coalition Government yesterday. This means the regulators will have stronger powers to ensure consumers…

17 October , 2018

Phone and internet complaints turning a corner

The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman has published its 2017-2018 Annual Report today (17 October 2018). Launching the report, Ombudsman Judi Jones said, “The number of complaints about telecommunications services in Australia appear to be turning a corner. “Declining complaints across all landline, mobile and internet services are a positive indicator of recent industry, government and regulator efforts…

17 October , 2018

4th Industrial Revolution – how does this affect me?

We stand on the brink of a technological revolution that will fundamentally alter the way we live, work, and relate to one another. In its scale, scope, and complexity, the transformation will be unlike anything humankind has experienced before. We do not yet know just how it will unfold, but one thing is clear: the…

10 October , 2018

World Standards Day 2018 “International standards and the 4th industrial revolution”

World Standards Day is celebrated on the 14 October each year – to raise awareness about the importance of standards and pay tribute to the thousands of experts worldwide who help develop the voluntary agreements that are published as international standards, read more here. Just as standards were crucial during the first industrial revolution, over 250…

10 October , 2018

Trampoline Parks and Injuries

A lot of people do not realise how significant injuries can be while having fun at a Trampoline Park – read more here. Consumers Federation of Australia (CFA) representative, John Furbank is on the Standards Australia Technical Committee SF-051 which has developed part 1 of a new Australian Standard on trampoline parks. Speak up for Australians by participating…

8 October , 2018

Telstra breaches priority assistance obligations

The ACMA has directed Telstra to commission an independent audit of compliance with its priority assistance obligations for customers with life-threatening medical conditions. Telstra must also implement a range of systems, processes and reporting to assure the future reliability and effectiveness of priority assistance. The remedial direction results from an investigation into Telstra following two incidents in 2017, where…

26 September , 2018

New appointments to telco consumer forum

Eight new members have joined the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s Consumer Consultative Forum (CCF) to provide information and advice on telecommunications issues affecting Australians. The organisations appointed are: Consumer Policy Research Centre Country Womens’ Association of Australia Deaf Australia Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Council of Australia LegalAid NSW NSW Business Chamber South Australian Council of…