insurance
One in six insurance complaints falls through the cracks
A new report shows many insurers are doing a poor job of managing dispute resolution.
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Latest stories
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Dentists and the superannuation rort
Companies are charging big fees to help desperate consumers get early access to super. -
Can that charity asking for your money be trusted?
There are some checks you can do to avoid donating to organisations that may not be trustworthy. -
Will new protections put an end to migrant labour exploitation?
An update to the Migration Act allows workers to blow the whistle on employers who do the wrong thing without jeopardising their visas. -
Meta comes around to better scam protections for Australian users
The company recently announced that financial services ads will be subject to a verification process starting next year. -
Buy now, pay later products like Afterpay finally regulated
Consumer protections that apply to credit products will now apply to BNPL providers such as Afterpay, Zip and Humm.
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Summer living
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Barbecues to avoid buying
The best barbecues deliver cracking cooking performance – these models didn't impress. -
How to hack your home cooling
Expert tips to help you beat the heat and save money this summer. -
Is a hibachi grill worth it?
Meet the compact, high-heat tabletop grill that impressed our expert testers. -
Things you can clean with a pressure washer
The humble pressure cleaner is far more versatile than you'd think. -
Read this before you buy a gift card
They're a great last-minute present idea, but there are some pitfalls to avoid. Plus, how to make your money go further.
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Washing machines to avoid buying
Need a new machine? Avoid these washed-up top loaders and front loaders that rated lowest in our lab tests. -
Wall ovens to avoid buying
It's the hero of your kitchen, so you need a wall oven that's up to the task. Steer clear of these not-so-hot models. -
The best air purifiers for dust and pollen allergies
These pollen- and dust-busting machines are not to be sneezed at. And some even cost less than $600. -
What are the best French-door fridges?
We look at the pros and cons of this type of fridge, and which models CHOICE experts recommend. -
The induction cooktops that failed to impress
These models simmered rather than sizzled in our latest tests.
Making change together
How you've helped us make things fairer for Australians
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FEB 2024
Support for Youpla/ACBF victims
The Government announces $97 million to the Youpla Support Program to assist some victims. Thanks to ongoing advocacy by First Nations advocates, policyholders, and community organisations.
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DEC 2023
Win for fairness in financial advice
The Government announces that the best interests duty for financial advisers will stay in place, following advocacy to keep it by CHOICE and other groups. The rule ensures customers get helpful advice of a high standard.
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DEC 2023
Coles refunds thousands of customers
Following our complaint to the ACCC about Coles' false 'locked' price claims, the supermarket apologises for raising prices of 20 products before the end of promotional periods and refunds thousands of customers.
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SEPT 2023
Stronger renters’ rights in Vic
After a CHOICE report exposing invasive rent-tech, the Victorian Government commits to strengthening renters' rights, including restrictions on personal information collection and retention.
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SEPT 2023
Bank execs on notice as new rules pass
New legislation, the Financial Accountability Regime (FAR), passes. Once in force, the rules will hold top executives accountable for misconduct by banks, super funds or insurers. They are backed up by strong penalties.
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AUG 2023
Qantas backs down on COVID credits
Qantas removes the expiry date on credits for customers who had flights cancelled due to COVID, and allows them to ask for a refund. This follows our campaigns on travel rights, including awarding Qantas a Shonky for its behaviour in 2022.
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JUNE 2023
Win for victims of financial misconduct
A banking royal commission reform passes after decades of pressure from consumer groups. The compensation scheme of last resort will provide compensation for many victims.
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MAY 2023
Super advocate receives further funding
The Government commits an additional five years of funding to continue consumer advocacy in the superannuation sector.
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MAY 2023
Consumer protections from scams
The Government commits $86.5 million in funding to combat scams, including the establishment of the National Anti-Scams Centre.
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DEC 2022
ACCC takes action on shonky Bloomex
Following its 2022 Shonky Award, Bloomex is taken to court for publishing misleading online star ratings and price representations.
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NOV 2022
Grieving WA consumers now protected
Funeral operators must now display prices publicly and provide key information without requiring people to meet with a sales representative.
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OCT 2022
New fines for breaching consumer rights
Companies who harm, mislead or deceive consumers will face up to 5x greater penalties. For the first time ever, companies who rely on unfair contract terms will also face penalties.
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OCT 2022
Timeshare taken to task
Ultiqa will pay a $900,000 penalty for breaching financial advice protections for consumers thanks to action from ASIC. We raised the alarm in our super complaint in May 2021.
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SEPT 2022
A ban on binary options
These dodgy financial products share many characteristics with high risk gambling. CHOICE supported a ban to prevent consumer harm, and ASIC has extended that ban until 1 October 2031.
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AUG 2022
South Australia joins school banking ban
Private banks are banned from school banking programs in South Australia, joining Victoria, NSW, Queensland and ACT state governments. We awarded Dollarmites a Shonky in 2018.
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