Transport Archives - Consumers' Federation of Australia

19 September , 2025

Federal government consults on proposed new protections for aviation consumers

The federal government is conducting another consultation on the proposed design and implementation of aviation consumer protections. The consultation being undertaken by the Department of Infrastructure and consists of two key elements: CHOICE’s media release on the consultation and the government’s proposals is available here: https://www.choice.com.au/about-us/media/media-releases/2025/september/aviation-consumer-protection-scheme-a-welcome-first-step-but-still-falls-short

1 May , 2025

ICAN welcomes ASIC review into motor vehicle finance industry

The Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN) has welcomed the Australian Securities and Investments Commission’s (ASIC) timely review of the motor vehicle finance industry. The review aims to address systemic issues affecting consumers in regional, remote, and First Nations communities. ASIC’s review, announced in March, will scrutinise lenders, brokers, and intermediaries for compliance with consumer protection…

21 March , 2025

Draft for the new Aviation Customer Rights Charter may be weaker than the consumer law

Today [12/03/2025], CHOICE is releasing its submission to the Federal Government’s consultation on the draft Aviation Customer Rights Charter (the Charter). While the draft Charter represents an important step in the right direction, it needs more work to give consumers clear, comprehensive and strong rights when flights don’t go to plan. “The draft Charter may…

5 February , 2025

Consumer representative wanted for the Car Rental Code Compliance Committee

The Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA) is looking for a new member to join their Car Rental Code Compliance Committee (CCC) as a consumer representative. This is a particularly important consumer representative opportunity as the AFIA Car Rental Code of Practice has recently been comprehensively updated and will be applicable from April 1st of this…

16 January , 2025

Number of People Reaching Out to the NDH Increases

There’s been a significant increase in the number of people reaching out to the National Debt Helpline (NDH) over the past year. During 2024 more than 169,000 people called in or used the online chat tool to seek help from financial counsellors – a 12% increase on 2023. Total visits to the NDH website also…

6 January , 2025

Aviation Charter of Rights needs more to take off: CHOICE

CHOICE responds to the Federal Government’s announcement releasing the draft Aviation Customer Rights Charter for public consultation. Quotes attributable to Rosie Thomas, Director of Campaigns at CHOICE: “CHOICE welcomes the release of a proposed Aviation Customer Rights Charter. The announcement is an important step towards giving consumers clear rights when flights don’t go to plan.”…

2 December , 2024

Interim Authorisation for Flights and Marketing for Doha to Australia Granted by ACCC

The ACCC has granted interim authorisation to Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways, allowing them to engage in cooperative conduct under an integrated alliance. The ACCC has also accepted a court enforceable undertaking from Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways in relation to the conduct. Under the interim authorisation, Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways can commence marketing and selling…

12 November , 2024

Less Competition and Higher Prices as Rex Suspends Operations

Domestic airline passengers face less choice and higher airfares following Rex’s recent exit from services between metropolitan cities, the ACCC’s latest Domestic Airline Competition report has found. Since Rex suspended operations on its services between metropolitan cities on 31 July 2024, the average airfare on all Major City routes has increased by 13.3 per cent to September…

8 November , 2024

Discrimination Case Settlement a Win for Travellers with Assistance Dogs, Calls for National and Enforceable Aviation Standard Continue

A Sydney woman with disability has won better access for assistance dogs on Qantas flights following a Federal Court discrimination claim. The Justice and Equity Centre and Maurice Blackburn Lawyers represented Rachael Fullerton after Qantas refused to give permission for her assistance dog Strike to fly with her. Strike is trained to alleviate the effects…

11 October , 2024

CHOICE Research Unveils Car Data Tracking, “woefully out of date”

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18 September , 2024

Consumer Groups Call on NIAA to Strengthen Remote Food Security Strategy

Mandatory code of practice, subsidies for food transportation and increased income support needed A coalition of consumer and indigenous groups is calling on the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) to better protect vulnerable residents in remote areas. The organisations have welcomed the proposed National Strategy for Food Security in Remote First Nations Communities, but they…

27 August , 2024

Advocates Welcome New Aviation Transport Standards, Urge Genuine Co-Design with People with Disability

The Justice and Equity Centre (‘JEC’) and People with Disability Australia (‘PWDA’) welcome today’s White Paper announcing the Government’s intentions to develop new Disability Standards for air travel. This is a significant first step in addressing longstanding discrimination by airlines which has prevented people with disability from being able to travel by air equally with…