Articles Archives - Page 89 of 181 - Consumers' Federation of Australia

5 April , 2018

ACCC finalises report on communications market

The ACCC has today published the final report of its communications sector market study, which includes 28 recommendations and actions on competition and consumer issues. Much has changed since the ACCC published its draft report in October 2017. Since then, the ACCC has secured eight court-enforceable undertakings from various internet service providers on NBN speeds,…

4 April , 2018

Telcos make a good start in providing critical information on NBN offers

A new Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) intelligence sweep of telco websites has found the overwhelming majority of telcos are complying with rules to provide Critical Information Summaries (CIS) to their customers. ‘CIS provide important information to consumers when making a choice between the plans offered by different telcos,’ said ACMA Chair, Nerida O’Loughlin. ‘Consumers can find this…

3 April , 2018

Consumer Groups call for tougher penalties, ban on broker commissions in submissions to Royal Commission

Consumer Action Law Centre, CHOICE and NSW Legal Aid today published submissions in response to the first round of hearings before the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Finance Sector on consumer lending and add-on insurance. Consumer Action Law Centre (Consumer Action) argues in its submission that directors of the big banks may…

29 March , 2018

ACCAN welcomes ACCC’s first NBN speed test results

ACCAN welcomes the release of the first round of results from the ACCC’s Measuring Broadband Australia speed monitoring program, and its generally positive findings. ‘We’ve long been calling for the independent monitoring of broadband speeds so consumers know what they’re likely to be getting when they buy a service. We’re strongly supportive of the ACCC’s…

28 March , 2018

Inquiry into the Use and Marketing of Electronic Cigarettes and Personal Vaporisers in Australia

The Australian Parliament’s Health, Aged Care and Sport Committee today presented its Report on the Inquiry into the Use and Marketing of Electronic Cigarettes and Personal Vaporisers in Australia. The inquiry considered the possible health impacts of E-cigarette use, international approaches to regulating E-cigarettes and the appropriate regulatory framework for Australia. The Chair of the…

28 March , 2018

CHOICE says shoppers can save by comparing unit prices

Consumer group CHOICE is calling for unit pricing to be improved following an investigation that found people can save up to $1600 a year by using unit pricing to compare the cost of loose and pre-packed food. “Unit pricing is an important tool which helps shoppers compare and cut back on their grocery spend but the system…

27 March , 2018

Consumer complaints provide top tips for tech buyers

The latest monthly NSW Fair Trading Complaints Register has been released, with 27 companies in the spotlight after receiving a total of 495 consumer complaints, Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said. “The register lists the traders that are the subject of 10 or more complaints to Fair Trading in a single calendar month –…

26 March , 2018

ACCAN welcomes ACCC action over Premium Billing charges

The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) welcomes the ACCC’s announcement today that it has commenced proceedings against Telstra for misleading its customers about third party billing services. ACCAN CEO Teresa Corbin said that consumers have been extremely frustrated by these unexpected charges on their telco bills and by the difficulties they experience in resolving…

24 March , 2018

ACCC moves to improve quad bike safety

The ACCC has proposed major changes to improve the safety of quad bikes, including the introduction of a safety rating system, crush protection devices and mandatory minimum performance standards. Tragically, quad bike accidents result in an average of 16 deaths in Australia each year. They also result in approximately six people per day attending a…

14 March , 2018

Volkswagen emissions con continues

Consumer group CHOICE says it’s time for real world emissions testing to ensure consumers aren’t misled by car makers CHOICE is renewing its call for real world testing of vehicle fuel efficiency following new research that found Volkswagen’s recalled and “fixed” cars are using more fuel and emitting more noxious emissions than allowed under Australian…

12 March , 2018

Australians can now track NBN progress in monthly reports

NBN Co has announced a new monthly report to track service and quality improvements on the nbn broadband access network. The report will include key measures such as the number of homes and businesses which can connect to the nbn™ access network, network congestion levels, the percentage of homes and businesses on a 50mbps (download) wholesale speed…

9 March , 2018

The Reject Shop ordered to pay $155,000 over unsafe projectile toys

National variety goods retailer The Reject Shop Ltd has been penalised $140,000 after admitting that it contravened the product safety provisions of the Australian Consumer Law (Victoria) by selling projectile toys that did not meet the relevant Australian Safety Standard. The Reject Shop operates more than 330 stores across Australia. Consumer Affairs Victoria took action…