Articles Archives - Page 92 of 180 - Consumers' Federation of Australia

22 September , 2017

Do Not Knock Informed Community Program Expands to Hope Vale

The following is a media release from the Office of Fair Trading (Qld). The Do Not Knock informed communities program expanded to Hope Vale today (21 September 2017), with residents marking the occasion at a community event. The program aims to deter unscrupulous door-to-door traders with prominent roadside signage reminding travelling salespeople of their responsibilities…

8 September , 2017

Response to Retirement Housing Inquiry fails to provide access to justice

Joint media release from Consumer Action, COTA, HHAG and RRVV: After six months of waiting, the Victorian Government has responded to the Inquiry into the Retirement Housing Sector, conducted by the Victorian Legislative Council. The Victorian Government’s response to the Parliamentary Inquiry has failed to deliver, according to retirement housing residents and advocates. Despite nearly…

8 September , 2017

Plugs and Sockets Standard Gets an Update

When you plug your phone charger in to a wall socket, how do you know that it will fit? A new edition of the standard for plugs and sockets used in Australia and New Zealand, AS/NZS 3112, Approval and test specification – Plugs and socket – outlets, has been published. Read more here. Standards are…

3 September , 2017

CHOICE Calls for Urgent Reform of Ticket Resales Industry

From CFA member CHOICE: A study of the ticket resale industry has found desperate fans are fed up with a market which uses unfair sales tactics to deliberately confuse, overcharge and hit them with sneaky fees. “From Ed Sheeran and Adele to Cirque Du Soleil and the Cricket World Cup, consumers are being hoodwinked into…

31 August , 2017

Federal Government Taking Submissions in Fight Against Modern Slavery – Standards

Millions of people around the world today are subjected to modern slavery practices, such as servitude and forced labour. Australian businesses and consumers are benefiting from modern slavery in supply chains, including through access to cheaper labour and services. These are grave violations of human rights with devastating impacts which have no place in our…

9 August , 2017

Dr Gill Asks: Why Isn’t Electricity Priced as Clearly as Petrol?

The following is a piece by Dr Martin Gill, a CFA representative on a number of Standards Australia Technical Committees. Petrol pricing hides a complex global market. Consider the numerous steps in supplying petrol: Crude oil is traded on a wholesale market with prices affected by global events Highly risky searches are undertaken for new…

8 August , 2017

Join Consumer Action’s Campaign against Debt Vultures

Live debt free! Take control! Never stress about money again! Maybe you’ve seen one of the TV or radio ads that Debt Vultures use to flog services such as “repairing” credit reports, debt negotiation, personal budgeting, and debt agreements. Debt Vultures give bad advice and spruik so-called “debt solutions” to Australians in financial hardship, and waste…

27 July , 2017

Car Companies Caught Refitting Lethal Airbags – CHOICE

A CHOICE investigation into the largest automotive recall in Australian history has found Toyota, Mazda, BMW, Lexus and Subaru have been refitting vehicles with potentially faulty airbags and have failed to inform consumers of the ongoing risk of death or injury. “With 2.3 million vehicles in Australia requiring their potentially lethal Takata airbags to be replaced, it’s…

25 July , 2017

Federal Government Silent on Debt Vulture Warnings

It has been eighteen months since the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) warned the Federal Government that so-called “debt management” firms are engaging in misleading and predatory conduct. The Consumer Action Law Centre wrote to the Federal Government shortly afterwards, calling for better regulation in the sector, but have yet to receive a response.…

20 July , 2017

International Standards for Climate Change Adaptation – Opinion Piece

The following is an opinion piece by John Henry, who represents CFA on Standards Australia committee EV-015 Greenhouse Gas Measurement and Accounting, the national mirror committee to ISO/TC 207/SC 7. The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) has Climate Change Adaptation on its radar thanks to the sub-committee on Greenhouse Gas Measurement and Related Activities (ISO/TC…

14 July , 2017

CAV to Take Daiso to Court over Product Safety Breaches

Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) has begun civil proceedings against Origo & Co Pty Ltd (ACN: 140 019 656) – previously Daiso (Australia) Pty Ltd – in the Federal Court of Australia, for alleged contraventions of product safety provisions and other protections under the Australian Consumer Law. CAV will allege that between 2011 and 2016, the…

14 July , 2017

New Safety Standard for Ethanol Burners

A new safety standard for decorative alcohol-fuelled devices, also known as ethanol burners, will ensure consumers’ safety, Small Business Minister Michael McCormack says. “I’m worried about the harm these products can cause consumers, which is why I’ve made a safety standard which particularly targets table-top devices which pose the greatest risk,” Mr McCormack said. Mr…