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Dr Martin Gill discusses how electricity retailers continue to justify their poor behaviour by claiming consumers have a choice. This is untrue. As an essential service, consumers must purchase electricity. Consumer rights to access this essential service, at a sensible price, should be protected and not turned into a “game” with a few winners and…
Read More Stop blaming consumers for electricity market failure
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The Internet of Things (IoT) is the rapidly expanding network of devices, physical objects, services and applications that communicate over the internet. Connected devices number in the billions today, and they transmit data without device owners knowing when or how that happens. This is a big issue for consumers as identified in the latest Economist Intelligence Unit…
Read More Internet of things: privacy and consumers
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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…
Read More Inquiry into the Use and Marketing of Electronic Cigarettes and Personal Vaporisers in Australia
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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…
Read More ACCC moves to improve quad bike safety
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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…
Read More Volkswagen emissions con continues
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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…
Read More The Reject Shop ordered to pay $155,000 over unsafe projectile toys
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The second-hand economy is booming with more and more consumers buying used goods. How can we be sure that the second-hand baby crib we buy won’t cause injury or harm? Purchasing used products can bring its share of bad surprises, but a new International Standard helps make sure those hand-me-down treasures are not putting your…
Read More The second-hand market gets a new ISO standard to protect consumers
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At least 500 children have ended up in hospital emergency departments in Australia between 2012 and 2017 due to injuries at indoor trampoline parks. The number of trampoline parks has soared past 80 in the past six years, but with lawsuits, catastrophic spinal injuries and even deaths overseas clouding the industry’s future, experts are urgently…
Read More Safety concerns for children at trampoline parks
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The following is an excerpt from an article that was originally published on The Conversation. Gardening is generally a healthy and pleasurable hobby or occupation. However, any activity carries some risk – and gardening is no exception. Potting mix is known to carry harmful bacteria and fungi. And there have been reports of deaths from diseases, such…
Read More Potting mix health risks
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Growing numbers of Australian consumers are opting for organic products, and should be able to feel confident that the ingredients are in fact organic. Many products carry a symbol, logo or other trade mark to show that they are certified organic. This certification is currently performed by 7 private bodies that are accredited by the Department…
Read More Don’t panic, it’s organic!
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The ACCC has today released guidance for egg producers on its approach to enforcing the new National Information Standard on free range eggs, which comes into effect on 26 April 2018. Under the new Standard, egg producers cannot use the words ‘free range’ on their egg cartons unless the eggs were laid by hens that:…
Read More ACCC releases guidance on free range egg standard
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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…
Read More Electric car revolution gains momentum, but will it last the distance?
