ACCC Archives - Page 2 of 20 - Consumers' Federation of Australia

17 March , 2023

Domestic airfares fall but prices remain above pre-pandemic levels

This is a media release from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. It was originally published on March 7th 2023 and can be found on the ACCC website here, with graphs. Domestic airfares have declined from historic highs at the end of 2022; however, they remain above 2019 prices, the ACCC’s latest Airline Competition in Australia…

Image 14 March , 2023

ACCC competition and consumer issues in essential services, sustainability among 2023-24 compliance and enforcement priorities

This is a media release from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC). It was originally published on 7th March 2023. Consumer and competition issues in essential services, environmental claims and sustainability, financial services and other critical areas will be among the ACCC’s compliance and enforcement priorities during 2023-24, ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb announced today. Unveiling the ACCC’s annual…

25 October , 2022

ACCC pays tribute to Delia Rickard, welcomes Catriona Lowe as Deputy Chair

ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb has welcomed the Governor General’s recent appointment of Catriona Lowe as ACCC Deputy Chair and applauded the contribution of departing Deputy Chair Delia Rickard. Ms Lowe has been appointed for a five-year term from 27 January 2023 when Ms Rickard will finish her term after more than a decade with the…

8 November , 2021

‘Stop scams. Speak up’ – Scams Awareness Week 2021

More than 350 partners across government, private and community organisations have joined the fight against scams in this year’s national Scams Awareness Week (8-12 November) under the theme “let’s talk scams”. This is a media release from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC). It was originally published on 8th November, 2021. “The more we talk about scams, the more awareness we…

24 June , 2021

Button batteries – new requirements for suppliers

In Australia, one child a month is seriously injured after swallowing or inserting a button battery and the ACCC has identified a number of ways to protect your family. The ACCC is also encouraging suppliers to comply with the new requirements on button batteries as soon as possible and has developed A Guide for Business on the Application of…

7 June , 2021

Scammers capitalise on pandemic as Australians lose record $851 million to scams

Australians lost over $851 million to scams in 2020, a record amount, as scammers took advantage of the pandemic to con unsuspecting people, according to the ACCC’s latest Targeting Scams report released today. The report compiles data from Scamwatch, ReportCyber, other government agencies and 10 banks and financial intermediaries, and is based on more than 444,000 reports.…

24 February , 2021

ACCC 2021 Compliance and Enforcement Priorities Announced

In his annual address to Committee for Economic Development Australia (CEDA), ACCC Chair Rod Sims announced the ACCC’s compliance and enforcement priorities for 2021. This annual review of ACCC priorities for the next 12 months has become a vital component of the ACCC’s strategic approach to compliance and enforcement work and its delivery, as well…

12 February , 2021

Romance baiting scams on the rise

Australians reported a record-breaking $37 million lost to Scamwatch last year for dating and romance scams. Total losses are expected to be much higher and scammers are now using dating apps to lure victims into investment scams. This is an ACCC Media Release. This new technique, called romance baiting, involves scammers meeting people on dating…

4 September , 2020

Voluntary battery stewardship scheme granted authorisation

The Battery Stewardship Council (BSC) will be able to establish and operate a national scheme for managing expired batteries under an authorisation granted by the ACCC. BSC was formed in 2018 with the primary goal of establishing a battery stewardship scheme in Australia that would see a significant increase in battery collections and recycling. Batteries…

1 July , 2020

Consumer Data Right goes live for data sharing

Consumers can now choose to share their banking data to access more personalised financial products and services following the launch of the Consumer Data Right today. All four major banks are capable of sharing their customers’ data, when requested by the customer. Other authorised deposit-taking institutions will join the Consumer Data Right over the coming…

25 June , 2020

Consumers urged to look out for unexpected international transaction fees

Consumers should look out for unexpected international transaction fees when buying online from major brands, the ACCC has warned. Even websites with a .com.au domain name or that appear to be Australian based may process transactions overseas, meaning consumers can get charged an international transaction fee even for a purchase made in Australian dollars. The…

17 June , 2020

Easier comparisons now available for foreign currency conversions

People who use foreign currency conversion (FX) services now have greater access to accurate online calculators to help compare prices, but the ACCC says greater transparency is still needed at a time when many Australians are sending money to family and friends overseas. The ACCC’s Foreign currency exchange services inquiry report, released in September last…