WA politician Ruby Hutchison helped found Australia’s first national consumer group to challenge powerful companies and push for stronger consumer protections.

In 1968 we tackled product safety, calling for a ban on flammable fluffy kids’ toys, for uniform lead paint labelling to prevent poisoning, and for flameproof nightwear.

A landmark law setting clear responsibilities for businesses to treat customers fairly. “Don’t rip us off” became a well-known message. Later replaced by the Australian Consumer Law.

Our financial adviser shadow shop exposed a troubled industry rife with conflicts and dodgy professional standards.

We name the growing problem of tech waste, with the term later recognised by the Oxford English Dictionary.

We launched the Shonky Awards and have been calling out dodgy products and practices ever since.

We took on unfair bank fees, helping push banks to reduce or scrap costly overdraft charges.

Our campaigning led to a ban on mortgage exit fees gave borrowers freedom to switch lenders.

We helped develop Health Star Ratings for food, which became a reality at long last.

Our investigation exposed dangerous Takata airbags, helping trigger Australia’s largest-ever car recall.

New rules require ticket resellers to show the original ticket price, helping fans avoid paying inflated prices.

Qantas removed expiry dates on COVID travel credits and allowed refunds after CHOICE campaigning.

A CHOICE complaint led Coles to apologise and refund customers over false ‘locked’ price claims.

The government announces $97 million for the Youpla Support Program to help affected victims.

The ACCC investigated energy retailers after our super complaint raised concerns about misleading deals.

After CHOICE tests found SPF claims weren’t met, several sunscreens were pulled from shelves.

After years of campaigning, the RBA bans credit and debit card surcharges from October.

Our first designated complaint leads to $270,000+ in refunds for over 4500 customers.