Private car parking fines

Key points: Private car parks cannot ‘fine’ consumers Carefully consider your options if you get a demand for payment from a private car park As of 26 August 2015, there are restrictions on...

Are Private Car Parks “Fines” Legitimate?

One of the most common questions asked of our legal practice is about the legitimacy of private car park payment notices and how to challenge them. A number of car parks are operated by private compa...

Report: Barriers to Accessing Utility Relief Grants

Increasing electricity prices have had a significant impact on the consumers that contact Consumer Action for assistance—consumers experiencing debt issues and those with some of the lowest incomes in...

Media Release: Inquiry recommends changes to ASIC

Consumer Action welcomes much of the findings of the Senate Standing Committees on Economics Inquiry into the Performance of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and commends A...

Submission: Insurance Duty of Disclosure

Consumer Action has provided comments on the Commonwealth Treasury's proposed notices which explain the duty of disclosure consumers have when buying insurance. We broadly support these regulations, b...

Submission: Competition Policy Review Issues Paper

Consumer Action has made a submission on the Competition Policy Review Issues Paper. The key points and recommendations are outlined below: While effective competition generally ensures market outc...

National Consumer Fraud Week 16 – 22 June

Have you ever wondered if someone is the real deal? These days, scammers are highly skilled at building deceptive relationships, using all sorts of tricks to convince you to trust them and part with y...

June 2014

Protection fund needed to win consumers’ trust Australian Financial Review, 5 June 2014, Gerard Brody...

Submission: Review of the 2020 Renewable Energy Target

The Consumer Action Law Centre welcomes the opportunity to provide input into the Federal Government’s review of Australia’s Renewable Energy Target (RET). Consumer Action is an independent, not-for-...

May 2014

Regulators overlooking the power of simplicity Australian Financial Review, 30 May 2014, Gerard Brody Consumers told to check tap-and-go transactions as deception cases increase The Age, 28 May 2...

Think twice before using a credit repair company

Our legal and financial counselling services have heard from a number of Victorians concerned about the behaviour of several credit repair companies. These companies may claim to be able to improve yo...

April 2014

Over the odds when power is bestowed on select few The Age, 12 April 2014, Brian Robins Energy Australia fined $1m in Federal Court over door-to-door sales practices ABC News, 9 April 2014, Amy Bainb...

March 2014

Optus warned over $8.8 million billing error Sydney Morning Herald, 27 March 2014, Paddy Wood Consumer groups lobby politicians over proposed changes to Future of Financial Advice reforms ABC New...

Credit reporting – correcting mistakes

Key message You have a right to have inaccurate information on your credit report corrected free of charge Significant changes to the information that can be contained on your credit report oc...

Submission: Consumer Credit Regulations

Consumer Action and the Consumer Credit Legal Centre NSW have made a joint submission to Treasury on exposure draft consumer credit regulations affecting payday lenders. In summary, we are supportive...

Submission: AEMC’s 2014 Retail Competition Review

Consumer Action has provided comment on the Australian Energy Market Commission’s (the AEMC) 2014 Retail Competition Review Approach Paper. We welcome ongoing reviews of competition within retail mar...

Federal Court finds ANZ late fees were penalty charges

The Federal Court has ruled that ANZ’s credit card late fees were penalty charges rather than a cost recovery measure.  This is significant because, while businesses can recover the costs of late paym...

Submission: Energy White Paper 2014

Consumer Action was pleased to have the opportunity to comment on the Energy White Paper 2014. Our submission is available here....

February 2014

Spruikers exploit the vulnerable Lateline, 24 February 2014, Amy Bainbridge Consumer law lobby group says AGL bid to hike bills The Australian, 21 February 2014, Amanda Saunders News Corporation hop...