Consumers’ Federation of Australia consumer survey

The Consumers’ Federation of Australia stands up for consumer rights. Its new consumer survey is a chance for you to tell it what is important to you. This survey is open to all consumers in Austra...
October 30, 2012

Funeral plans: what are you paying for?

We understand that, for many Australians, funeral plans offer a level of certainty and peace of mind, both emotionally and financially. But Australians thinking about taking out a funeral plan should...
October 19, 2012

Consumer Guarantees: Defective goods and services

Key message: When you buy goods or services, those goods or services must meet certain standards called 'guarantees' under the Australian Consumer Law. Use this template letter if you purchase...
October 15, 2012

October 2012

Victims in false debt claims The Age, 31 October 2012, Andrea Petrie Consumer law to-do list maps the big picture Daily Telegraph, 25 October 2012, Rosemarie Lentini Shorten's flexible approac...
October 12, 2012

On the Wire: edition 33

Consumer action has published the October edition of On the Wire, a quarterly publication featuring updates on national energy market reforms and regulatory processes. Edition 33 can be found here....
October 10, 2012

Senate Select Inquiry on Electricity Prices

Consumer Action has provided evidence to the Senate Select Inquiry on Electricity Prices. Before the committee, Consumer Action argued that consumer welfare has been given insufficient attention by Au...
September 27, 2012

Motor Finance Wizard – general information

Use this fact sheet if you:  have a contract with Motor Finance Wizard and want more information. More information can be found in our related factsheets: Action Sheet: Motor Finance Wiza...
September 27, 2012

Motor Finance Wizard – Walker v DTGV1 Pty Ltd

Key Message: DTGV1 Pty Ltd, trading as V1 Leasing, is one of a number of companies which trade under the name of ‘Motor Finance Wizard’; in Walker v DTGV1 Pty Ltd, Motor Finance Wizard w...
September 27, 2012

Dispute Resolution: Consumer Disputes in VCAT

Key points If you have a dispute with a business, you can make a complaint to VCAT; Small Claims in VCAT are designed for consumers to represent themselves; application fees are usually wai...
September 27, 2012

September 2012

Electricity prices continue to soar in Victoria, Essential Services Commission report reveals Herald Sun, 20 September 2012, Anne Wright Power shock: bills up 33% in five years The Age, 20 Septem...
September 11, 2012

Consumer Action’s Policy and Campaigns Plan 2012-13

Consumer Action is a not-for-profit, independent community organisation, focused on advancing the interests of consumers. We advocate for more equitable outcomes for consumers, particularly those who...
August 28, 2012

August 2012

Push for ban on door-to-door sales Herald Sun, 28 August 2012, Karina Barrymore Door-to-door sales in hot water again as Fair Work Ombudsman accuses company of underpaying workers Smatrcompany.co...
August 2, 2012

Private Colleges

Common themes emerging in consumer complaints about some private colleges and training institutions has prompted the Consumer Action  to publish a guide about common problems, how to avoid them and wh...
June 18, 2012

Timeshare schemes

Consumer Action’s legal advice line regularly hears from consumers who have signed up for timeshare schemes - schemes which allow points or credits to be redeemed for holiday accommodation. We’ve hea...
June 18, 2012

June 2012

Thrifty moves for plastic users The Age, 27 June2012, Clancy Yeates Warning as banks try hard-sell approach to credit card customers Herald Sun, 19 June 2012, Karina Barrymore Millions of Aust...
June 13, 2012

Working for a fairer energy market

Energy market reform Our work brings the consumer voice to the national energy market. Our advocacy draws on real consumer concerns —expressed through our casework services (legal and financial counse...
June 12, 2012

Advocating for vulnerable, low income debtors

Low-income debtors often get the worst deal when it comes to dealing with debt—inaccessible or weak hardship assistance, particularly for those in long-term hardship; misleading or severe debt collect...
June 12, 2012

What if I have been sued for a debt?

Key message Act quickly to get advice if you have been sued for a debt in the Magistrate’s Court of Victoria. The Magistrates Court Process If the amount owed is $100,000 or less, a creditor...
June 11, 2012

Credit limit offers in the spotlight

We've all seen letters or messages from banks trying to entice us to increase our credit card limits. They come in a range or forms from Congratulations, you’ve been pre-approved, to Increase your cre...
May 30, 2012

May 2012

VicRoads ordered to court in parking case ABC Online, 30 May 2012, Sarah Farnsworth Credit limit offers in the spotlight Briefed: The Law Blog, Herald Sun, 28 May 2012, Gerard Brody Short-chan...
May 10, 2012

April 2012

Banks target vulnerable customers The Sunday Age, 29 April 2012, Deborah Gough Anger over changes to payday loans Sydney Morning Herald, 25 April 2012, Ruth Williams Electricity consumers pay...
May 7, 2012

Joint submission: Reforming flood insurance (Treasury)

Joint submission with Financial Counselling Australia, the Insurance Law Service and Footscray Community Legal Centre in response to the Commonwealth Government’s consultation paper Reforming Flood In...
April 16, 2012

Credit limit offers in the spotlight

We’ve all seen letters, emails or text message from banks trying to entice us to increase our credit limits. They come in a range or forms from Congratulations, you’ve been pre-approved, to Increase y...
April 12, 2012

Energy retailers urged to end door-to-door sales

Consumer Action has challenged Australia's energy retailers to put an end to door-to-door energy sales. The Centre issued the challenge on the back of new research showing 77 per cent of Australians h...
April 5, 2012

March 2012

Court action follows door-to-door complaints PerthNow, 27 March 2012 Mortgage delinquency rate spikes ABC Radio, PM, 27 March 2012, Michael Janda Baillieu Government backs water fines for late...
March 29, 2012

February 2012

Flood cover: Insurers are still waiting Insurance News, 27 February 2012 Gillard Government doubles the maximum interest rate vulnerable consumers can be slugged The Daily Telegraph, 25 February 20...
March 28, 2012

Do I have to pay an old debt?

Key Messages: There are time limits for taking legal action.  This means that your debts may become too old for a creditor to successfully take legal action against you. Get advice before maki...
March 20, 2012

Federal Government’s Energy White Paper consultation

Consumer Action made a substantial submission to the Federal Government’s Energy White Paper consultation. The Draft White Paper is largely directed to industry development and investment, but is sile...
March 19, 2012

Submission: Gift cards in the Australian market (CCAAC)

Submission to the Commonwealth Consumer Affairs Advisory Council in response to its Issues Paper: Gift Cards in the Australian Market. To read our submission, please click: Issues paper- gift cards i...
March 2, 2012

Debt collection

Consumer Action regularly receives complaints from consumers that are persistently contacted by debt collectors. In our experience, most debtors that contact our services have a genuine desire to repa...
February 4, 2012

You wont sleep well after these sleep seminars

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February 4, 2012

Submission: Interest free disclosure method (Treasury)

Submission to Commonwealth Treasury regarding proposed regulation on proper disclosure of ‘interest free’ credit card offers. To read our submission, please click: Interest Free Disclosure Method...
January 23, 2012