Media release: Consumer groups fear City Water users will get the ‘South Gippsland treatment’ under unified water laws

Consumer groups are concerned that large water bill price rises for Melbournians will be combined with new unfair and punitive measures to pursue payment. Janine Rayner, Senior Policy Officer at the...

May 17, 2010

Media release: Business loopholes in new consumer lending laws could spell disaster for vulnerable borrowers

Consumer Action is warning consumers to avoid unregistered or unlicensed brokers and lenders now that new national consumer lending laws are coming into force. Consumer Action has started legal actio...

May 12, 2010

Media release: Debt collector complaints too small-fry for consumer watchdog ASIC

Consumer Action Law Centre has issued proceedings in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal against both the debt collection company ACM and the National Australia Bank (NAB) on behalf of a c...

April 27, 2010

Media release: Victorians deserve a better deal on rental housing

Minimum standards to ensure all Victorian rental properties are safe, healthy and affordable to live in are urgently needed, said Victoria’s state-wide telephone and web financial counselling service,...

April 8, 2010

Media release: ‘Shonky’ brokers stopped from slipping through the cracks

Consumer Action has welcomed the efforts of the Coalition and Greens in working with the Victorian Government to make amendments to a Bill to ensure consumers won’t fall victim to ‘shonky’ brokers bec...

March 26, 2010

Media release: Insurance industry tells B.R.C disaster relief is bad for business

More than a year after the Black Saturday bushfires devastated Victoria, a submission to the Bushfires Royal Commission on behalf of the Insurance Council of Australia has complained that post-disaste...

March 17, 2010

Media release: Parents need to learn more before they sign up for educational software

We all think we could resist the slick spiel of the in-home salesman, so why is it that so many people end up saying ‘yes’. Now researchers, lead by Dr Paul Harrison from Deakin University, have answe...

March 15, 2010

Media release: Legitimacy of private car park ‘fines’ could finally be decided

Consumer Action Law Centre has sought leave to add new claims of unconscionable conduct and harassment to its test case against private car park operator Care Park on behalf of its client, Mitchell Da...

February 19, 2010

Media release: Distributors ask to add average 14% to consumers’ electricity bills

Consumer Action Law Centre has made a submission to the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) after Victoria’s five electricity distributors provided forecasts estimating they would need Victorian custome...

February 18, 2010

Media release: Fire insurance debate reignites as anniversary approaches

Almost a year after the Black Saturday bushfires devastated Victoria, consumer groups have hit back at the insurance industry’s attempts to pressure the Government into eliminating the fire services l...

February 3, 2010

Media release: Consumer Action Law Centre warns the public about telephone scam falsely using its name

Consumer Action Law Centre warns the public that scammers are continuing to contact people falsely claiming to be an employee or representative of Consumer Action. Carolyn Bond, Consumer Action co-CE...

February 2, 2010

Media release: Collection Point misleads client and sues his lawyers

Consumer Action Law Centre has succeeded in a Victorian Civil Administration Tribunal (VCAT) action against money retrieval agency, Collection Point, and recovered the sum of $1,108.85 for one of its...

December 23, 2009

Media release: Consumer win sets up precedent for others burnt by Kleenmaid collapse

Consumer Action Law Centre has successfully represented a couple who sought to recover thousands of dollars from a linked credit provider who financed their purchase of kitchen goods from Kleenmaid Pt...

October 21, 2009

Media release: New credit reporting – silver lining masks big grey cloud

Consumer Action Law Centre has welcomed aspects of the Government's proposed reforms to credit reporting in Australia. However we question whether the steps forward for consumers on complaint handling...

October 15, 2009

Media release: Consumer Action Law Centre warns the public about telephone scam falsely using its name

Consumer Action Law Centre warns the public that scammers are contacting people falsely claiming to be an employee or representative of Consumer Action. Carolyn Bond, Consumer Action co-CEO, said tha...

October 8, 2009

Media release: Regulator’s report opens door to private operators in Victorian water sector

Consumer groups warn that the delivery of water services in Victoria could be radically changed, following the release of a report from the Essential Services Commission (ESC) today. The State Govern...

October 3, 2009

Media release: Australian Institute of Fitness gives young woman a financial workout

A young school leaver is defending a legal claim by the Australian Institute of Fitness to pay $7,416 for a training course she never started. Her legal defence asserts that the Institute has sued des...

September 14, 2009

Media release: Landmark case – Consumer Action to represent customer stung by Kleenmaid collapse

Consumer Action Law Centre is representing a couple who lost over nine thousand dollars in the high profile collapse of Kleenmaid Pty Ltd earlier  this year, against the loan company that financed the...

August 10, 2009

Media release: TLC continues to break Victorian hearts and the bank

Consumer Action Law Centre has today launched a legal action on behalf of a vulnerable Victorian man against TLC Consulting Services Pty Ltd (TLC), an introduction agent permanently restrained from ca...

July 6, 2009

Media release: Company collects unclaimed money for consumer and keeps it for itself

Consumer Action Law Centre is representing a man who is suing Collection Point Pty Ltd, a company that offers ‘money retrieval’ services, for retaining 25% of the unclaimed superannuation funds he was...

July 3, 2009

Media release: Ordinary Melbourne households at risk from huge water price rises

The Consumer Action Law Centre (Consumer Action) and the Consumer Utilities Advocacy Centre (CUAC) today said the Essential Services Commission’s final decision to allow steep price rises for Melbourn...

June 26, 2009

Media release: Small debt in a big pond – pensioner to lose home in bankruptcy over a $1000 Telstra internet bill

Consumer Action Law Centre has begun acting for a 60 year old pensioner who has sought help after being bankrupted for what started as a Telstra Internet services bill for less than $1,000. Nicole Ri...

June 17, 2009

Media release: Combined financial pain – finance broker stitches up low-income client

Consumer Action Law Centre has launched legal action against finance broking firm Combined Financial Services Australia Pty Ltd (Combined Financial) on behalf of a low income client alleging she was u...

June 1, 2009

Media release: Very Long Odds – elderly pensioner pressured by horse race tipsters

Consumer Action Law Centre (Consumer Action) has warned Victorians to be wary of services offering horserace betting tips, after launching legal action against two companies involved in selling a bett...

May 22, 2009

Media release: Rogue broker not so affordable

Consumer Action Law Centre has launched legal action against finance broker Affordable Home Loans and Mortgage Advice Pty Ltd (Affordable Home Loans) and its director, William Curry, on behalf of a cl...

May 22, 2009

Media release: $1 billion bank penalty fee income stream finally revealed

Consumer Action Law Centre has welcomed the release of today’s annual banking fee bulletin by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), which reveals for the first time that Australian banks reaped over $1...

May 21, 2009

Media release: Debt collector to bankrupt consumer over NAB credit card debt

Consumer Action Law Centre is defending a client against an attempt to send her bankrupt over a small National Australia Bank (NAB) credit card debt which the NAB sold to a debt collector. Nicole Ric...

May 15, 2009

Media release: National energy retail laws released today ‘light on’ for Victorian household protections

Consumer Action Law Centre has warned that Victorians will be the biggest losers out of the new national energy laws released today. Janine Rayner, Senior Policy Officer at Consumer Action, said the...

April 30, 2009

Media release: National consumer credit laws welcome but loopholes must be closed

Consumer Action Law Centre has welcomed today’s release of the proposed national consumer credit laws by the Federal Government, but has warned that while the intention behind the laws is good, there...

April 27, 2009

Media release: All you need is love…and $22,000. Love Search Intros accused of swindling diabetic pensioner

Consumer Action Law Centre has issued legal action against R & H Consulting, trading as Love Search Intros, an introduction agency, on behalf of a 73 year old client whose diabetes medication caus...

April 24, 2009

Media release: NAB fails to assist client despite banks agreeing to help people in financial hardship

Consumer Action Law Centre has taken legal action against the National Australia Bank (NAB) on behalf of a consumer in financial difficulties alleging the bank ignored all approaches to try to resolve...

April 23, 2009

Media release: Water bills price reprieve welcomed by consumer group

The Consumer Action Law Centre (Consumer Action) and the Consumer Utilities Advocacy Centre (CUAC) today welcomed the Essential Services Commission’s draft decision to cut the price rises for Melbourn...

April 21, 2009

Media release: Car buyers warned to say no to Motor Finance Wizard tricks

Consumer Action Law Centre has today again issued legal proceedings against motor car trader, DGTV1 which trades as Motor Finance Wizard, and its related finance arm, Kwik Finance, on behalf of a cons...

April 17, 2009

Media release: Education service provider has ‘Mental Blank’ when offering VCE success course

Consumer Action Law Centre has issued legal proceedings against education course provider, Mental Blank Pty. Ltd., on behalf of a client, Ms Ahlin Chen. It is alleged that Mental Blank failed to deli...

April 2, 2009

Media release: Debt collector ACMS sued for harassment and coercion

Consumer Action Law Centre has issued a legal action on behalf of a client seeking compensation, punitive damages and an order restraining debt collector Accounts Control Management Services (ACMS) fr...

March 13, 2009

Media release: Bushfire victims have rights when dealing with lenders

Consumer Action Law Centre has welcomed the response of many banks and other lenders to the plight of Victorian bushfire victims, but has advised that people affected by the fires may also have additi...

February 23, 2009

Media release: Citibank lacks compassion for client after taking legal action over $10,000 debt

Consumer Action Law Centre has taken legal action to defend a struggling single parent hit by personal tragedy and the current financial crisis against Citibank for a $10,000 credit card debt. Consum...

February 20, 2009

Media release: Consumer Action welcomes fast-tracking of new consumer laws

Consumer Action Law Centre today welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement that it will fast track crucial law reforms to protect consumers from unfair contract terms and to give the consumer reg...

February 17, 2009

Media release: Amazing loans never cease to amaze with poor lending practices

Consumer Action Law Centre has once again initiated legal action against Amazing Loans on behalf of a client.  The action alleges unconscionability in relation to the fees and interest charged. Consu...

February 13, 2009

Media release: RHG mortgage exit fees test case settles

Consumer Action has today announced that the test case legal action against RHG Mortgage Corporation (formerly RAMS Mortgage Corporation) on behalf of Ms Emily Hamilton has settled on confidential ter...

January 23, 2009

Media release: Care Park slugs unsuspecting local drivers

Consumer Action Law Centre has initiated legal action on behalf of Mr Gary Tan against Care Park, a private car park operator. The action seeks to challenge a charge imposed on him at Springvale Shopp...

December 16, 2008

Media release: ‘It’s not You, It’s Us’ – Introduction Agency Breaks More than Hearts

Consumer Action Law Centre has today launched legal action on behalf of a client, a vulnerable Victorian man with an acquired a brain injury. Our client seeks a refund of more than $10,000 paid to an...

December 16, 2008

Media release: Educational software company discounting the truth to make sales?

Consumer Action Law Centre is taking legal action against A.I.M. (Melb) Pty Ltd (now National Dealer Network Pty Ltd) on behalf of Mr Assam Shihata, a disability pensioner from a non-English speaking...

December 9, 2008

Media release: Educational software company targets parents in their homes

Consumer Action Law Centre has instituted legal proceedings against Advanced Education Resources, a seller of mathematical education software, for taking advantage of a non-English speaking widow who...

December 2, 2008

Media release: Energy information campaign a start but won’t stop massive marketing problems

Consumer Action Law Centre today said the Victorian Government’s new energy information campaign was a good initiative but did not address the upcoming removal of price regulation or the serious marke...

November 19, 2008

Media release: Consumer Action launches test case against mortgage exit fees

Consumer Action Law Centre has today initiated a test case legal action against RHG Mortgage Corporation (formerly RAMS Mortgage Corporation) on behalf of Ms Emily Hamilton. Ms Hamilton faces an exces...

November 8, 2008

Media release: New lawsuit claims not-so-Amazing Loans exploited consumer with exorbitant fees

The Consumer Action Law Centre has today initiated legal action against Amazing Loans on behalf of a client who was required to repay a total of $7,835.36 for a $3,000 car loan, thanks mainly to an ex...

November 6, 2008

Media release: Call to end penalty fees on basic bank accounts: Consumer groups want reform from CBA & ANZ

CHOICE and Consumer Action are calling on the Commonwealth Bank and the ANZ banks to stop gouging low-income earners through unfair penalty fees on their concession accounts. CBA and ANZ continue to...

October 15, 2008

Media release: Major bank outsources its responsibility for financial hardship to notorious debt collector

The National Australia Bank (NAB) has been selling off the credit card debt owed by customers, some in genuine financial difficulties, to a debt collector well-known to community workers and financial...

October 14, 2008

Media release: Time for government to put home equity out of risk over small debts

Consumer Action Law Centre has today called on the Federal Government to make the simple law change needed to put a stop to unfair bankruptcy actions that strip home equity. Gerard Brody, Deputy Dire...

October 12, 2008