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Boxing Day duds: The products to avoid in the sales
Our expert advice on what to avoid in the most popular sales categories: air fryers, stick vacuums, TVs, coffee machines, robot vacuums and more.
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Boxing Day best buys: Member exclusive
consumer rights
Got a dud product this festive season? Here are your rights
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Home and living
Fridges -
Health and body
Fitness trackers -
Home and living
Barrel and upright vacuums -
Home and living
Ceiling fans -
Money
Pet insurance -
Home and living
Air purifiers -
Outdoor
Battery lawnmowers -
Money
Car insurance
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Boxing Day sales
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Reverse-cycle air conditioners to avoid
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These energy-efficient machines will clean your clothes without cleaning out your wallet. -
Which Dyson stick vacuum is right for you?
Looking for one of these cordless wonders? Here's what you need to know, plus the best Dysons from our tests. -
The best and worst TVs for watching sport
Our experts sort the winners from the losers in our latest tests.
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What are the best French-door fridges?
We look at the pros and cons of this type of fridge, and which models CHOICE experts recommend. -
Robot vacuum cleaners to avoid buying
Need some help around the house? Don't count on these poorly performing robot vacs, and check our reviews before you buy. -
Splurge vs save: The cheaper air fryers that rival expensive ones
Our tests show some budget buys can outperform models more than twice their price. -
The best air purifiers for dust and pollen allergies
These pollen- and dust-busting machines are not to be sneezed at. And some even cost less than $600. -
4 ways to save on travel insurance
You’ve found the cheapest flights and the best hotel deal but what about your travel insurance? Our expert shares tips to save.
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Fridges to avoid buying
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A dark side of the electric vehicle boom
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Should you buy a Ninja air fryer?
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CHOICE wins in 2024: Looking back on the year that was
The fight for consumer rights continues, but there are some signs of progress.
Life admin
Handy tools and comparison services from CHOICE
Making change together
How you've helped us make things fairer for Australians
Learn more-
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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DEC 2023
Win for fairness in financial advice
The Government announces that the best interests duty for financial advisers will stay in place, following advocacy to keep it by CHOICE and other groups. The rule ensures customers get helpful advice of a high standard.
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DEC 2023
Coles refunds thousands of customers
Following our complaint to the ACCC about Coles' false 'locked' price claims, the supermarket apologises for raising prices of 20 products before the end of promotional periods and refunds thousands of customers.
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SEPT 2023
Stronger renters’ rights in Vic
After a CHOICE report exposing invasive rent-tech, the Victorian Government commits to strengthening renters' rights, including restrictions on personal information collection and retention.
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SEPT 2023
Bank execs on notice as new rules pass
New legislation, the Financial Accountability Regime (FAR), passes. Once in force, the rules will hold top executives accountable for misconduct by banks, super funds or insurers. They are backed up by strong penalties.
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AUG 2023
Qantas backs down on COVID credits
Qantas removes the expiry date on credits for customers who had flights cancelled due to COVID, and allows them to ask for a refund. This follows our campaigns on travel rights, including awarding Qantas a Shonky for its behaviour in 2022.
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JUNE 2023
Win for victims of financial misconduct
A banking royal commission reform passes after decades of pressure from consumer groups. The compensation scheme of last resort will provide compensation for many victims.
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MAY 2023
Super advocate receives further funding
The Government commits an additional five years of funding to continue consumer advocacy in the superannuation sector.
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MAY 2023
Consumer protections from scams
The Government commits $86.5 million in funding to combat scams, including the establishment of the National Anti-Scams Centre.
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DEC 2022
ACCC takes action on shonky Bloomex
Following its 2022 Shonky Award, Bloomex is taken to court for publishing misleading online star ratings and price representations.
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NOV 2022
Grieving WA consumers now protected
Funeral operators must now display prices publicly and provide key information without requiring people to meet with a sales representative.
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OCT 2022
New fines for breaching consumer rights
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.
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OCT 2022
Timeshare taken to task
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.
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SEPT 2022
A ban on binary options
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.
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AUG 2022
South Australia joins school banking ban
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.
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