Post thumbnail
Consumer groups and financial counsellors are urging the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) to act now to put an end to the use of harmful lending models used to charge excessive fees on top of short-term loans. This is a media release from Consumer Action Law Centre (CALC). It was originally published on 24th January, 2022. For over…
Read More Time to finally end the harm done by Cigno loans
Post thumbnail
Need to know Rapid antigen tests are being sold at inflated prices by some retailers The ACCC is investigating the price gouging Advocates say stronger price-gouging protections are needed for consumers This is a media release from CHOICE. It was originally published on 5th January, 2022. It was only a few weeks ago that COVID-19 rapid antigen tests (RATs)…
Read More Price gouging: COVID-19 rapid antigen test prices soar
Post thumbnail
The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) is consulting on a bold new strategy, launched today for consultation, to improve outcomes for consumers experiencing vulnerability and help them stay engaged with the rapidly transforming energy market. This is a media release from the Australian Energy Regulator (AER). It was originally published on 20th December, 2021. Latest energy debt figures show a 56% increase…
Read More Financial issues ‘just the tip of the iceberg’ in supporting energy consumers, prompting new tactics from the AER
Post thumbnail
The Banking Code Compliance Committee (BCCC) today released a report into how banks provide inclusive and accessible banking services and support customers experiencing vulnerability. This is a media release from the Banking Code Compliance Committee (BCCC). It was originally published on 20th December, 2021. The BCCC’s Inquiry found that: banks have invested significant resources to support customers experiencing vulnerability…
Read More Banks’ support for customers experiencing vulnerability a work in progress
Post thumbnail
Over 90 per cent of identified unsafe product listings were removed within two business days by online businesses signed up to the Australian Product Safety Pledge. This is a media release from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC). It was originally published on 19th November, 2021. The voluntary initiative commits signatories to 12 product safety actions, that go…
Read More ACCC’s product safety pledge improves consumer safety online
Post thumbnail
The Australian Government is seeking to align regulation across the aged care, disability support and veterans’ care sector. The 2021-22 Budget encompasses a range of measures including short to long term program reforms. To progress this work, the Cross Agency Taskforce on Regulatory Alignment is now inviting input from a range of stakeholders, including consumers,…
Read More Aligning regulation across aged care, disability support & veteran’s care
woman holding phone and baby, child standing to the side
Households struggling with the cost of connectivity would benefit from the introduction of new rules that would make it mandatory for telcos to offer a low-income product, according to the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN). The recommendation for new regulatory requirements comes as the peak body for communications consumers releases new research which examines…
Read More New report highlights need for government and industry action on telco affordability
Post thumbnail
Arranging a funeral can be an emotional process, sometimes with added time pressures if the death of a loved one was unexpected. Funerals involve significant expenditure. It is an infrequent purchase, often during a stressful and emotional time. The decision-making ability of consumers is often considerably impacted by their vulnerable state, time constraints and cultural…
Read More Queensland Government funeral price transparency consultation now open
Post thumbnail
The ACCC is seeking submissions from stakeholders, including consumers, consumer safety advocates, the furniture and television industries, and medical professionals about the safety hazards posed by toppling furniture, such as bookshelves, drawers and televisions. This is an Australian Competition & Consumer Commission media release, originally published on 2nd August, 2021. There have been at least…
Read More Views sought to help prevent deaths and injuries from toppling furniture and televisions
Post thumbnail
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is looking to improve the way the telco sector supports consumers in vulnerable circumstances, with a proposed Statement of Expectations for the industry released for consultation today. This is an Australian Communications and Media Authority media release, originally published on 14th July, 2021. ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin said…
Read More Expectations for telcos in supporting vulnerable consumers
Post thumbnail
The Banking Code Compliance Committee (BCCC) has published its 2021-24 Strategic Plan and 2021-22 Business Plan. The 2021-24 Strategic Plan outlines the areas we will focus on to achieve our purpose for the period 2021–22 to 2023–24, including taking action to: improve the visibility of the BCCC enhance our intelligence sources and identify important issues expand our engagement with consumer stakeholders…
Read More BCCC publishes 2021-24 Strategic Plan and 2021-22 Business Plan
Post thumbnail
The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) today released five compliance and enforcement priorities for 2021-22, which include a major focus on protecting energy consumers. This is an Australian Energy Regulator (AER) media release, originally published on 23rd June, 2021. AER Chair Clare Savage said the AER will be monitoring retailers to ensure they identify residential consumers in…
Read More AER’s 2021-2022 compliance and enforcement priorities: Consumer protection
