Topic
Investigations and news
Our team of investigative journalists and writers expose shonky industry tactics and products to help protect Australian consumers.
Cost of living
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Which supermarket has the cheapest groceries?
In our first price survey for the year, we find which supermarket delivers the best value on your winter shopping basket. -
The place where a tube of toothpaste costs a day's salary
Incarcerated people are going without essential items due to high costs and low wages. -
Businesses should be forced to accept cash, consumers say
97% of people surveyed by CHOICE say stores shouldn't be allowed to turn down physical money for essentials. -
Sneaky card surcharges hitting two-thirds of Australians' pockets
CHOICE survey reveals that while most people don't expect to pay more when paying via debit card, surcharges are common. -
Who makes sure your energy smart meter is accurate?
Metering businesses are beyond the reach of the energy ombudsman in NSW, and have a poor record of sharing meter data with retailers.
Insurance affordability
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One in six insurance complaints falls through the cracks
A new report shows many insurers are doing a poor job of managing dispute resolution. -
Report shows how insurers failed homeowners after the 2022 floods
Claims were knocked back on flimsy grounds, temporary accommodations fell short, and policyholders were mistreated. -
Private health insurance is failing older Australians
In a recent survey of policyholders over 50, more than half said they were struggling to pay their premiums. -
Why do flood insurance claims have to take so long?
CHOICE highlights many problems with claims process, in joint submission to inquiry into insurers' responses to major floods. -
CHOICE report: Extreme weather putting home insurance out of reach
A new research project reveals how the insurance market is failing homeowners and renters. -
9 in 10 Australians facing higher home insurance costs
Contrary to the industry code of conduct, many policyholders aren't being told why their premiums went up.
First Nations consumers
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ANZ Bank's QR code rollout is leaving people behind
Advocates for First Nations communities and older Australians say it's yet another example of a tone deaf industry. -
Outback community left with severely limited access to cash
This Northern Territory council serves an area bigger than New Zealand, but has only one bank branch left. -
Essential groceries to be price-capped for remote First Nations communities
Prime Minister cites CHOICE investigation in decision to bring down prices. -
Groceries cost more than twice as much in remote First Nations communities
CHOICE investigates food prices in parts of the NT and WA to see how they compare to capital cities. -
Court confirms Youpla lied about being Aboriginal-owned
First Nations advocacy groups welcome the ruling, saying it sets an important precedent. -
Youpla victims finally get some relief
Almost two years on from the collapse of the funeral insurance operator, affected First Nations people get some justice. -
First Nations people missing tens of millions in super
Reforms needed to ensure people in remote communities can access money that is rightfully theirs. -
First Nations people more likely to get poor financial hardship service
Recently released numbers from the financial ombudsman also show a rise in complaints about scams and insurance. -
Homeless for Christmas? Discrimination locking First Nations people out of housing
'They're not giving it to Blackfellas, that's just how it is out here.' -
Scams targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers on the rise
The ACCC warns that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are increasingly becoming the victims of scams, with remote communities facing unique challenges. -
Remote Aboriginal communities left behind in Australia's rooftop solar boom
Rooftop solar could reduce high energy costs and prevent blackouts, but regulatory hurdles are slowing progress. -
Youpla compensation resolution 'within months'
It's been a heartbreaking wait for victims of the funeral fund's collapse, who were left out of the Federal Budget. -
Postcode data shows how Youpla targeted most disadvantaged communities
Indigenous funeral fund provider targeted disadvantaged communities across Australia with predatory door-to-door sales. -
Remote Indigenous communities left with broken cars and no redress: Part one
CHOICE travels to the remote Indigenous community of Wujal Wujal in Far North Qld to investigate dodgy motor vehicle sales. -
Indigenous students still struggling with debt legacy from education loan scandal
The laptops for education scandal has left some students with an ongoing debt legacy even years later. -
Renters seeking compensation for substandard housing
The High Court has agreed to hear an argument that damages should be paid by negligent housing authorities.
Featured
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Energy plans bundled with extras like Qantas points or Netflix might not add up
Consumer advocates are advising consumers to be cautious when it comes to bundled energy offers. -
Missed bank transfers? Lost out on bonus interest? This could be why
Westpac customers have been stung by the bank's different approach to services at regional brands. -
Qantas data hack exposes alarming gap in consumer protections
CHOICE repeats call for an airline ombuds scheme following a massive data breach at Australia's largest carrier. -
Can you trust canned tuna sustainability claims?
New research suggests the environmental promises of many brands are on shaky ground. -
CHOICE files energy retailer 'super complaint' with the ACCC
We're targeting confusing and complicated energy pricing in our first designated complaint to the regulator. -
Are you owed a refund for that extra car insurance you bought?
Consumers who were unfairly sold 'add-on' insurance before July 2019 have until 30 June to demand their money back. -
Why the electricity pricing safety net isn't working
Default market offers are supposed to protect consumers who don't pick an energy plan, but it appears the system is broken. -
Door-to-door solar sales targeted in 'super complaint' to the regulator
The Consumer Action Law Centre wants to see misleading solar sales and similar operations put out of business. -
Smart meter opt-out officially ends in June, but some retailers will let you delay
CHOICE has heard from energy customers who have been able to delay installation, while others are given no option. -
What MyConnect isn't telling you
Salespeople offer to help connect your utilities, but are you getting the best deal from this conflicted company? -
The new rules that could help with your electricity bill
Energy companies could be forced to limit price increases and offer better support to those in hardship. -
Is your bank still investing your money in fossil fuels?
The big four banks – ANZ, NAB, Westpac and CBA – are all pouring money into oil, coal and gas. -
Uber is dominating, is this good for Aussie consumers?
In the past we said Uber was good for competition, now Australia is the most Uber-dense market in the world -
Illegal tanning nasal sprays pushed by social media influencers
Experts are concerned that the dangerous ingestible tanning products are becoming increasingly popular. -
Should you trust an AI chatbot with your mental health?
Millions are using Headspace, Wysa, Youper and other popular therapy chatbots, but can AI replace a professional counsellor?
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CHOICE wins in 2024
We look back at the highlights of our campaigns and investigations work over the last year, including several significant wins for consumers.
These wins were achieved with the support of our members, allies and supporters.
Each win, from just compensation and calling dodgy businesses to account, to improved safety standards, privacy and protections, inspires us to keep up the fight for your consumer rights in 2025.
Making change happen
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Essential groceries to be price-capped for remote First Nations communities
Prime Minister cites CHOICE investigation in decision to bring down prices. -
New rules force big businesses to combat scams
Banks, telcos and social media platforms face fresh obligations to protect Australians after new anti-scam laws pass Parliament. -
Why the federal government must act urgently on privacy reform
CHOICE is among 27 advocates and researchers calling for stronger consumer protections from data breaches and misuse. -
Government announces 'balanced' BNPL reforms
Consumer groups and financial counsellors are cautiously optimistic about the long-awaited buy now, pay later reforms. -
Compensation scheme for victims of financial misconduct finally goes ahead
The scheme will help protect Australians from dodgy financial operators who can’t pay mandated compensation. -
How CHOICE helped win the fight to improve button battery safety
A look back at how CHOICE joined the battle for mandatory button battery safety standards – and won. -
Commonwealth Bank drops Dollarmites
After long campaign by CHOICE, pin is finally pulled on 'shonky' school banking program. -
Mosaic Brands fined by ACCC following CHOICE investigation
ACCC action follows 2020 CHOICE investigations and product tests. -
Insurers improve bushfire definitions
There is no standard definition for fire insurance in home and contents insurance. -
CHOICE testing prompts payout
Hitachi customers can claim compensation for a fridge that uses more energy than claimed. -
People power brings a big win on hand sanitiser labelling
Our six-month effort to bring about change has a happy ending. -
Supermarket inquiry calls time on Coles' and Woolworths' tricky pricing tactics
The ACCC's recommendations back changes we've been pushing for and validate the frustrations of shoppers. -
InvoCare rolls out itemised funeral prices
After earning a Shonky for poor price transparency, funeral giant puts itemised prices on all its brands’ websites.
Travel reform
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Is Qantas greenwashing us with its carbon claims?
A complaint filed with the ACCC says terms like 'carbon neutral' and 'sustainable aviation fuels' mislead customers. -
Qantas ordered to pay $100 million in fines for cancelled flights
The airline will pay the penalty on top of $20 million in compensation to consumers. -
Chances your flight will leave on time these holidays? About 50/50
A new CHOICE survey reveals airlines continue to let customers down as the peak travel season gets underway. -
Is Booking.com following its own terms and conditions?
A customer who bought a ticket for a flight that couldn't fly was denied a refund by the popular booking service. -
Qantas flight credit policy unfair to customers
CHOICE has filed a complaint with the ACCC calling out undue restrictions in Qantas's credit redemption rules. -
CHOICE calls for clearer terms and conditions for travellers
After our investigations into COVID-related cancellations, we want a mandatory information standard for all travel providers. -
Flight Centre called out for 'horrible' customer service and delayed refunds
The findings of our COVID travel cancellation survey don't speak well of Flight Centre's treatment of customers.
Product safety
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Kids' product recalls continue as shopping season approaches
A steady stream of recalls of products for babies and kids is cause for concern. -
Philips Respironics recall puts patients in a bind
The electronics giant has declared hundreds of thousands of its sleep and respiratory care devices potentially harmful – with no remedy on the horizon. -
Mosaic Brands fined by ACCC following CHOICE investigation
ACCC action follows 2020 CHOICE investigations and product tests. -
Do you own a dangerous kitchen appliance?
Check our list of 28 recalls from the past five years. -
Thousands of dangerous pressure cookers recalled by Aldi still in homes across Australia
One recent incident left a woman with extensive burns. -
Valco Rover pram toddler board accident raises safety questions
A 20-month-old was badly injured when a Valco Rover toddler board malfunctioned. -
Faulty blood glucose meters: A disservice to people with diabetes
Roche Diabetes Care Australia says it doesn't know how many defective Accu-Chek meters may still be out there.
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Got a news tip?
If you have an idea for a story or you have information relating to an existing investigation, contact us confidentially at [email protected]. -
CHOICE editorial guidelines
Here's how we work to ensure our journalism meets our high editorial standards. -
Media
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