02.CHOICE CEO Message - June
In early 2012, CHOICE began discussions with Chaser alumni Julian Morrow and Craig Reucassel about a new TV show on consumer issues. After months of planning, The Checkout burst onto our screens at the end of March.
Every week, we watched the show evolve, and viewers’ reactions with it. By May, The Checkout was drawing a larger audience than a number of long-running, nightly programs.
The Checkout has proved beyond doubt Australian consumers want to see a bright light shone onto the tricks that irk them, and that they delight in sharing the stories of their own victories against big business.
CHOICE has helped to make this a reality, by providing behind-the-scenes advice and experts to appear on the show. We’ve been thrilled to be associated with The Checkout and hope the ABC will commission a second series.
The excitement of The Checkout has not, however, distracted us from our day jobs of researching the products, services and issues that matter to you. This month, we bring you our big annual review of health insurance policies. If changes to the private health insurance rebate have prompted you to review your level of health cover, our analysis should help you make the right choice. If you’re worried about out-of-pocket expenses, we can help you reduce gap payments, too.
If the prospect of high power bills through the winter months has you thinking solar, then our story looking at solar feed-in tariffs (FiTs) might help you decide whether it’s the best option for your household.
The subject of food is always popular with CHOICE members. To investigate what’s really in some common brands of bread, we’ve looked into how long they last before they start developing mould – and some of the results may be an unpleasant surprise!
Finally, thank you to those members from the Brisbane area who attended our consumer forum at the State Library on 29 May. This was a wonderful opportunity to meet you and hear about the issues that matter to Queensland consumers.
Alan Kirkland, CEO
Phone: 1800 266 786
Email: alan@choice.com.au
Twitter: @AlanKirkland