Articles Archives - Page 90 of 180 - Consumers' Federation of Australia

24 January , 2018

Electric car revolution gains momentum, but will it last the distance?

Electric cars might finally be having their moment in Australia – as costs fall, Australia will inevitably see an electric car revolution. Surveys show up to half of Australian motorists would consider going electric the next time they buy a car however the most important factor that affects consumers’ decision to buy an electric car…

21 January , 2018

Consumer group Choice calls for mandatory safety standards for trampolines

Republished from The Age, 19 January 2018 A five-year-old boy had his finger amputated after it was trapped in a trampoline, a 10-year-old girl hurt her back on a rail while playing a jumping game called “crack the egg”, and a three-year-old boy fell to the ground and fractured his leg. Those are among the…

23 December , 2017

New telco rules an early Christmas present for consumers

The Minister for Communications has directed the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to impose new rules that will force telcos to significantly improve the consumer experience in moving to the NBN. This is a great win for consumers. The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) has been calling for some time for these issues to be addressed and…

20 December , 2017

CAANZ releases guidance on the application of Australian Consumer Law to charities and fundraising

Consumer Affairs Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) regulators have released guidance on the application of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) to the fundraising and other activities of charities, not-for-profits and fundraisers. Download A Guide to the Australian Consumer Law – For fundraising and other activities of charities, not-for-profits and fundraisers (pdf, 366.4 KB) CAANZ comprises senior…

20 December , 2017

ACCAN welcomes Government response to Universal Service Obligation

The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) has welcomed the Government’s response to the Productivity Commission report into the existing Universal Service Obligation (USO). ACCAN are pleased that the Government’s response acknowledges that existing arrangements are out of date and in need of reform, and welcomes the Government’s commitment to provide universal access to voice and…

18 December , 2017

Consumer Tips: Buy Gift Cards Carefully and Use Them Early

Many of us will buy and receive gift cards this festive season and the Queensland Consumers Association advises buyers to check that the terms and conditions are fair and not likely to be unduly restrictive for the receiver, and recipients to consider using them soon after receipt. Association spokesperson, Ian Jarratt, says many people think…

11 December , 2017

CHOICE calls for improved labelling on alcoholic drinks

Consumer group CHOICE is calling for improved labelling on alcoholic drinks to help people compare their beverage options. “For many people Christmas is a time to enjoy a festive drink but if they want to choose lower kilojoule tipples, right now they can’t easily compare their options” says CHOICE spokesperson, Katinka Day. “While consumers can…

29 November , 2017

Dr Gill on Simplifying Tariff Comparisons

The following piece is an excerpt from a piece by Dr. Martin Gill, CFA’s representative on a number of Standards Australia Technical Committees on energy. Retailers should be required to provide sufficient information on bills (and tariff contracts) to ensure consumers can easily compare tariffs. It is also recommended a review be undertaken to determine…

29 November , 2017

Pack weight threat

Research from consumer group CHOICE has found 92% of people believe it is important that the weight measurement remains on the front of food products. The finding comes as the Federal Government’s National Measurement Institute has today released a policy statement which appears to prioritise trade over transparency. “Labels are for consumers not solely to…

28 November , 2017

Australians to own their own data

The Turnbull Government will legislate a national Consumer Data Right, allowing customers open access to their banking, energy, phone and internet transactions. Australians will be able to compare offers, get access to cheaper products and plans to help them ‘make the switch’ and get greater value for money. Assistant Minister for Cities and Digital Transformation Angus…

24 November , 2017

Why is Australia slow in adopting electric cars?

In the race to adopt electric vehicles, Australia is sputtering along in the slow lane. Rather than growing, Australian sales of electric cars are actually in decline. In 2016 they represented just 0.02% of new car sales – even lower than in 2013. Contrast that with Norway, the country with the highest levels of electric…

18 November , 2017

ACCC Puts Clothing Retailers on Notice

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has found some retailers may be misleading consumers about their rights under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) after reviewing the online policies of several large Australian clothing retailers. “This year the ACCC has received over 750 complaints regarding consumer guarantees for clothing purchases. We are reviewing the policies…