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The day the last bank left town
Like many communities around the country, the Victorian town of Yarram is reeling from the closure of their last bank.
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Latest stories
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Coles and Aldi top our vanilla ice cream taste test
We tested 25 ice creams from leading brands to find which tasted the best. -
Labubu warning: Why counterfeit toys could be putting young kids at risk
Copies of the popular toy are prompting safety warnings overseas and from CHOICE experts. -
Labubu or Lafufu: Can you spot the difference?
These popular dolls have taken the world by storm, but can you tell the real deal from their fake counterparts? -
How to find the best installer for your solar panels and batteries
Our guide to getting the best quotes and knowing your rights in this sometimes shady market. -
Is this what 25 years of shrinkflation looks like?
A chance find reveals the long history of a hot button consumer issue.
Will buying health insurance save you money at tax time?
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Spring
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Laundry powder vs liquid vs capsules vs sheets
What's best for your clothes and your budget? -
Spring-clean your air con to save money this summer
A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping the mercury and your energy bills down. -
Is buying a hard floor cleaner worth it?
We look at how much these cleaning tools cost, their key features and how easy they are to use. -
What size air conditioner do I need?
Bigger isn't always better – here's how to decide on the right kW based on your room size and other important factors. -
10 washing machine mistakes you probably don't even know you're making
Lift your laundry game and save money, energy and water.
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We should all be able to switch on the lights at a fair price, but the burden of navigating various complex plans, offers and contracts to get a fair deal is often difficult, and sometimes impossible. That’s why we’re calling for a new consumer duty for energy products and services, which would require energy providers to do what’s right by consumers – no ifs, buts or loopholes. Sign the petition for fairer, simpler energy now.
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Handy tools and comparison services from CHOICE
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Four vacuum cleaners to avoid buying
Don't be a sucker – steer clear of these poor-performing bagged and bagless vacuums. -
The best cheap dishwashers
Shopping on a budget? Here's the best value dishwashers according to CHOICE experts. -
Three soundbars you shouldn't be buying
Check one, two? These models set the bar lowest in our lab tests. -
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. -
The best washers for large families
We talk you through how to choose a great washer for a large household, plus the models that scored well in expert testing.
Making change together
How you've helped us make things fairer for Australians
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DEC 2024
Meta to crack down on investment scam ads
Meta introduces a requirement that financial advertisers are verified to help prevent fake celebrity investment scam ads on Facebook and Instagram.
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NOV 2024
Buy now, pay later loophole to close
Reforms pass to regulate buy now, pay later loans under the Credit Act. Companies will need to ensure they’re not selling unaffordable loans and provide support for those facing financial hardship.
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NOV 2024
First part of privacy reform passes
Reforms introduce the right to sue after a serious privacy breach, extra enforcement powers for the privacy regulator, and algorithm transparency obligations.
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NOV 2024
Overhaul of merger laws
New rules grant stronger powers for the ACCC, to stop big businesses from squeezing out competitors to capture a larger percentage of the market.
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NOV 2024
Bunnings’ facial recognition ruled illegal
Privacy Commissioner finds that Bunnings broke privacy laws by using facial recognition in 63 stores without customer consent. Bunnings has to delete all sensitive data, and not repeat or continue the practice.
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OCT 2024
A free way to pay rent in NSW and Victoria
Reforms to rental laws in both states establish a right to pay rent for free through direct debit, landing a blow against RentTech payment platforms, which add additional fees.
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OCT 2024
Unfair business practices to be banned
The government commits to a new ban on unfair business practices. The new law could cover a range of traps like dynamic ticket pricing, gym memberships that are almost impossible to cancel, and pre-checked extras at online checkouts.
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OCT 2024
Stronger refund rights
The government announces plans to introduce strong penalties for businesses that flaunt consumer laws by unfairly denying people their consumer guaranteed rights to a repair, refund or replacement.
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SEP 2024
ACCC action on supermarket prices
Coles and Woolworths face court for allegedly misleading ‘Prices Dropped’ and ‘Down Down’ discounts on hundreds of products, when they were the same or higher than the previous regular price.
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AUG 2024
Improved flight rights
New government reforms strengthen airline consumer rights, including a new independent Aviation Ombuds Scheme. This replaces the current industry-funded Airline Customer Advocate that's so bad, we gave it a Shonky Award in 2021.
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JULY 2024
Infant sleep products now safer
New mandatory standards introduced following rigorous testing and advocacy by CHOICE. The standards reduce the risk of death and injury from sleep products.
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JULY 2024
CHOICE becomes a designated complainant
The government appoints CHOICE as one of the first ‘designated complainants’, allowing us to make ‘super complaints’ to the ACCC on significant and systemic consumer problems.
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MAY 2024
New Fuel Efficiency Standards
New vehicle Fuel Efficiency Standards aim to reduce vehicle running costs and increase vehicle choices, including electric vehicles.
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MAY 2024
Toppling furniture standards introduced
The ACCC introduces a new information standard for toppling furniture to reduce incidents, that requires warnings and information for consumers.
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MAY 2024
Energy companies warned about HelpPay
Australian Energy Regulator warns energy retailers that promoting HelpPay might be against the law.
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MAR 2024
Bloomex fined $1 million
The online floristis ordered to pay a $1 million fine for misleading advertising. This comes after CHOICE gave a Shonky Award to Bloomex in 2022 for poor service.
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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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