March consumer news wrap up: Competition to serve consumers, 'rent to buy' myth shattered & headaches of all kinds for Nurofen

Consumer policy news and updates from CFA members, regulators, policy makers, researchers and others.

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CFA says benefits of competition reform reliant on continued engagement with consumers

The Consumersâ€™ Federation of Australia has welcomed the final report of the Harper Review into Competition Policy, but warned against diminishing the ability of the ACCC to ensure that consumers are the ones to benefit from increased competition. Read more

ACCC takes action against Rick Otton to shatter the 'rent to buy' myth

Following a coordinated investigation with New South Wales Fair Trading, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has instituted proceedings in the Federal Court against We Buy Houses Pty Ltd and Rick Otton for alleged contraventions of the Australian Consumer Law.
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Payday lenders put on notice to lift standards

An ASIC report has found that payday lenders need to improve compliance with some of the key consumer protection laws operating in the industry. The review found particular compliance risks around tests for loan suitability.
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Australian consumers join call for global treaty to address major health risks

The Consumersâ€™ Federation of Australia came out in support of an international campaign for a global convention to protect and promote healthy diets on World Consumer Rights Day earlier this month.
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Proposed anti-piracy code will charge consumers to challenge illegal download claims

The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network has voiced concern that the proposed anti-piracy Industry Code has some serious flaws in its consumer safeguards, including privacy considerations and the requirement for consumers to pay to dispute a claim of piracy.
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New energy rebates a big win for NSW consumers

The NSW Government will introduce a new $90 gas rebate for low-income consumers, and remove the loophole that stopped people from receiving energy rebates just because they live in retirement villages and residential communities.
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Organic standard open for comment

The voluntary Australian Standard that exists for growers and manufacturers wishing to label their products â€˜organicâ€™ and â€˜biodynamicâ€™ is currently being revised, and consumers, industry and organisations are encouraged to provide comments.
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Tension, migrane, back pain: itâ€™s all headaches for Nurofen as ACCC takes action on misleading claims

Nurofen has been landed in court over allegations that, while its "Specific Pain" range promises to target different types of discomfort, the products actually consist of the
same ingredients.
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CHOICE calls on consumers to tell Kelloggâ€™s to roll out health star ratings

The consumer advocacy group has targeted seven manufacturers in total in a call to implement the rating scheme developed by industry, experts and governments to help shoppers quickly compare the healthiness of products.
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