consumer advocacy
CHOICE wins in 2024: Looking back on the year that was
CHOICE never stops fighting for your rights. These are the changes that have come about as a result of our work.
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Latest stories
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CHOICE's biggest stories of 2024
The investigations, research and tests that made the news – and made a difference – this year. -
Still no resolution for woman allegedly poisoned by Samsung fridge
More than six months on, the family are still fighting for their rights. -
Best ceiling fans for bedrooms
How to choose a ceiling fan for a peaceful night's sleep. -
How to avoid dangerous products this Christmas
New data reveals Australians are overestimating their consumer protections during the busy shopping season. See how you can stay safe. -
Stick vs corded vacuums: Which type is better?
Do you only need a stick vac? We crunch years of CHOICE lab data to find out.
Don't buy a dud in the sales.
Get your free guide
and know the products to avoid
Summer living
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Ceiling fans to avoid
Don't lose your cool this summer with these poor performers. -
How to sleep better this summer
With warmer-than-average nights predicted this summer, we look at how you can sleep comfortably when it's hot outside. -
Portable air conditioners to avoid buying
Keep your cool and steer clear of these loud and lousy units. -
The supermarket Christmas ham you should add to your shopping list
In a win for festive budgets, our experts rate some affordable hams as the best. -
Barbecues to avoid buying
The best barbecues deliver cracking cooking performance – these models didn't impress.
Take action
Join the call for a fair way to pay
You shouldn’t be charged a fee to pay with your own money – but if you regularly pay by card, you’re probably familiar with the frustrating feeling of being stung by an unexpected or excessive surcharge at the checkout. That’s why we’re calling on the government to ensure there’s always a free and accessible way to pay, including a ban on debit card surcharges. Sign the petition for a fair way to pay now.
Life admin
Handy tools and comparison services from CHOICE
Shop smart
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10 products under $100 CHOICE experts love
We asked our experts to spill the beans on the cheap products they love. -
Read this before you buy a gift card
They're a great last-minute present idea, but there are some pitfalls to avoid. Plus, how to make your money go further. -
The top supermarket products of 2024
Our picks from the hundreds of household products we tested this year. -
Got a dud product this festive season? Here are your rights
What can you do if your Christmas gift or Boxing Day sale bargain turns out to be a dud? -
Smeg appliances: Best buys and what to avoid
Should you buy something just because it's from Smeg? It's complicated.
Making change together
How you've helped us make things fairer for Australians
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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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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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