2019
12th Nov 2019
Data reveals billion-dollar payday lending industry driving Australians into debt
Over 20 consumer advocacy bodies from around the country have released new data revealing that predatory payday lenders are profiting from vulnerable Australians and trapping them in debt, as they cal...
12th Nov 2019
The Debt Trap: How payday lending is costing Australians
The Debt Trap: How payday lending is costing Australians projected that the gross amount of payday loans undertaken in Australia will reach a staggering 1.7 billion by the end of 2019. It also found t...
11th Nov 2019
Impact Report 2018/19
This year has been dynamic for our Centre. In addition to our core direct services for the community, we have continued to advocate for a fairer marketplace obtaining some significant outcomes. Som...
23rd Oct 2019
Good consumer outcomes should not be sacrificed for bankers’ bonuses
Australian Prudential Regulation Authority – Consultation on remuneration requirements for all APRA-regulated entities
The financial services industry plays an essential role in the lives of Australians, from providing for day-to-day transactions to providing for a comfortable retirement. Markets were opened becaus...
22nd Oct 2019
Funeral expenses only products must be held to a higher standard
The Treasury - Removal of the exemption for funeral expenses policies, Exposure draft legislation
Consumer advocates have held long standing concerns over the inadequate regulatory framework for funeral expenses products. In our joint submission with Financial Rights Legal Centre (Financial Rig...
17th Oct 2019
All Victorians deserve access to fair energy pricing
Essential Service Commission – Victorian Default Offer to apply from 1 January 2020 Draft Decision
Since its implementation on 1 July 2019, the Victorian Default Offer (VDO) has given more Victorian energy users access to fairer pricing for their essential electricity services. In our comment to...
16th Oct 2019
Payday lenders: trusted friends or debt traps?
Need a loan? Research reveals social media users should be wary of payday lenders using digital platforms to peddle their wares to the vulnerable. If you have ever needed money in a hurry it may ha...
15th Oct 2019
Protecting Australian families from dodgy vendor terms and rent-to-buy arrangements
Consumer Affairs Victoria – Implementation consultation for the Sale of Land Amendment Act 2019
Over the years, our team has assisted a number of people who have been adversely affected by failed vendor finance and rent-to-buy deals, which are promoted as an opportunity to achieve home ownership...
14th Oct 2019
Energy compliance and performance reporting guideline
Essential Services Commission – Compliance and Performance Reporting Guideline updated to include new entitlements for customers Draft Decision
Monitoring is only as effective as the information gathered. In our submission to the Essential Services Commission (ESC) Compliance and Performance Reporting Guideline updated to include new entit...
11th Oct 2019
Financial product design and distribution obligations must be consumer centred and limit loopholes
The Treasury – Corporations Amendment (Design and Distribution Obligations) Regulations 2019 (Cth)
The Design and Distribution Obligations (DADOS) require financial service providers to provide products that meet customer needs rather than focussing on securing the sale. In our joint submission on...
