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People should be empowered to come forward to expose problems of wrongdoing and fraud to their organisations, the authorities or the media, whistleblowing is one of the most effective ways to detect and prevent corruption and other malpractice. Unfortunately, reporting often comes at a high price: whistle-blowers risk their career, their livelihood and sometimes their…
Read More Whistleblowing – have your say
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The state’s economic regulator today released updated water industry standards, strengthening support and protections for Victorian consumers, particularly those facing financial difficulties. This is a media release from the Essential Services Commission. It was originally published on 27th September, 2022. The Essential Services Commission’s water industry standards set out the minimum service requirements water businesses must meet, covering…
Read More New protections for Victorian water customers
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We have traditionally taken a linear approach to products: we take, make, and discard. When a new phone is released, we simply dispose of the old one. We’re depleting a finite quantity of resources and degrading our planet in the process. We are crossing planetary boundaries, putting our own existence and wellbeing in jeopardy. This…
Read More Circular economy – what does it mean to me?
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Button batteries, also known as coin batteries, are used to charge devices that have a longer shelf-life, like a watch or the key to your car. They’re small, flat, and round. Button batteries can lead to serious internal burns in as little as two hours. If you have young kids and you haven’t heard of button batteries, they need…
Read More Button batteries – draft standard open for public comment
EV charging
The Consumers’ Federation of Australia has made a submission to the Energy Security Board in response to its Issues Paper. CFA supports two representatives who participate in the Standards Committee, EM-001 Electric Vehicle Operation. The submission has been developed with the support of these expert consumer representatives and focuses on the questions in the Issues Paper related to…
Read More Consumer empowerment must be central to Electric Vehicle Smart Charging
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The following is a piece by Dr Ron Somers (PhD) former external senior lecturer in public health at the University of Adelaide, former director of epidemiology at SA Health, and a long-time GP practice manager. Ron is also the CFA Standards Representative on two Standards Australia Technical Committees. Australian consumers need to exercise caution over the coming…
Read More Red alert for dangerous infant mattresses
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The recommended pram and stroller safety essentials are the AS/NZS 2088 label on the item, a sturdy frame, a five-point harness and a tether strap, according to the Australian Parenting website. Standards Australia recently published the revised AS 2088:2022 Prams and strollers – Safety requirements which provides manufacturers, authorities, and others with minimum safety requirements for prams and…
Read More Pram and stroller safety essentials
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A good pair of goggles while skiing or snowboarding affects your performance as well as your safety. The goggles you choose should not only look good but should have safety features. Standards Australia recently released AS/NZS 18527.1:2022 Eye and face protection for sports use Part 1: Requirements for downhill skiing and snowboarding goggles which adopts ISO 18527 1:2021 with…
Read More Why do I need goggles when skiing or snowboarding?
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With rising energy prices, home battery storage offers savings to consumers and an alternate to fossil fuels, read more here. Standards Australia has released a draft standard for public comment which will ensure consumers are provided with the information to meaningfully compare different battery manufacturers claims (and technologies). It defines standard testing protocols revealing the performance…
Read More Battery storage for households – Public comment invited on draft standard
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Artificial outdoor light is essential in our modern society; however poorly designed, directed and maintained lighting can cause problems. Light pollution is bad for us and for wildlife, so what can we do, read more here. Standards Australia has released a draft revised standard for Public Comment: AS/NZS 4282 Control of obtrusive effects for outdoor lighting which aims to…
Read More Adverse Effects of Outdoor Lighting – Draft open for public comment
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Businesses which supply button batteries or products powered by them must now comply with mandatory button battery safety and information standards taking effect from today or face serious penalties, the ACCC warns. This is a media release from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission. It was originally published on 22nd June, 2022. “These world-first standards are a critical…
Read More Businesses on notice as mandatory button battery laws commence
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Have you ever tried switching bank accounts online, only to end up feeling confused by the technology? Any situation in which an individual may be unable to engage fully or effectively in a market is considered consumer vulnerability read more here and watch the video. Protecting the most vulnerable people in society falls not just to government but…
Read More New vulnerable consumers standard ensures everyone gets a fair deal
