Funeral operators must now display prices publicly and provide key information without requiring people to meet with a sales representative.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In an important first step, the Federal Government commits to covering funeral benefits for active Youpla members who pass away, up until November 2023. 

Bunnings, Kmart and The Good Guys temporarily stop using facial recognition technology while the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) investigates. This comes on the back of a CHOICE investigation and campaign.

The ACCC makes bed company (and 2020 Shonky Award winner) Revitalife to refund 49 customers a total of $57,646.

Panel heater manufacturer Olympia Splendid recalls four models after they fail a CHOICE cord anchorage test, which can cause electric shock. The findings are reported to the ACCC. 

Safety standards for prams and strollers are strengthened after a 2020 CHOICE investigation shows significant safety issues. 

Authorities introduce a world-leading safety standard, with tough penalties for businesses who don’t comply. Australian kids are now safer, thanks to CHOICE advocacy and awareness-raising by mothers like Andrea and Allison.

Thanks to the CHOICE member, Tracey, who got in touch with a worrying product:  children’s light-up thongs with soles that were wearing through to expose dangerous button batteries. We alerted the ACCC, and Big W agreed to recall the products. 

After we called for regulation, ASIC announced a 5-year extension of the product intervention power restricting the sale of harmful and high-risk financial products called contracts for difference. This will protect consumers from financial harm. 

In 2020, CHOICE and our international counterparts found Tinder Plus users in 5 out of 6 countries were paying more depending on their age. Now, Tinder has promised to stop charging consumers different prices based on age, but hasn’t yet committed to stopping all price discrimination.

NSW introduces a minimum information standard to help people better understand what will happen if their trip is cancelled. It is the first state to act on the cancellation chaos caused by COVID-19.

Troubled company Ultiqa faces court for allegedly breaching financial advice laws following a 2017 complaint from CHOICE. The timeshare industry is now on notice: to clean up harmful sales practices or risk more legal action.

The CBA announces it will no longer run dodgy school marketing scheme the Dollarmites. This comes off the back of 4 states and territories banning bank-run school marketing schemes.

The big 5 health insurers announce they will give refunds for profits made while customers couldn't access health services.

Chubb and GIO Insurance drop claims against renters for damage they didn’t cause. This comes after CHOICE reveals unfairness in the landlord insurance market. Now the pressure is on for industry-wide reform.