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.

The government commits an additional five years of funding to continue consumer advocacy in the superannuation sector.

The government commits $86.5 million in funding to combat scams, including the establishment of the National Anti-Scams Centre.

Following its 2022 Shonky Award, Bloomex is taken to court for publishing misleading online star ratings and price representations.

Funeral operators must now display prices publicly and provide key information without requiring people to meet with a sales representative.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In an important first step, the Federal Government commits to covering funeral benefits for active Youpla members who pass away, up until November 2023. 

Bunnings, Kmart and The Good Guys temporarily stop using facial recognition technology while the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) investigates. This comes on the back of a CHOICE investigation and campaign.

The ACCC makes bed company (and 2020 Shonky Award winner) Revitalife to refund 49 customers a total of $57,646.

Panel heater manufacturer Olympia Splendid recalls four models after they fail a CHOICE cord anchorage test, which can cause electric shock. The findings are reported to the ACCC. 

Safety standards for prams and strollers are strengthened after a 2020 CHOICE investigation shows significant safety issues. 

Authorities introduce a world-leading safety standard, with tough penalties for businesses who don’t comply. Australian kids are now safer, thanks to CHOICE advocacy and awareness-raising by mothers like Andrea and Allison.

Thanks to the CHOICE member, Tracey, who got in touch with a worrying product:  children’s light-up thongs with soles that were wearing through to expose dangerous button batteries. We alerted the ACCC, and Big W agreed to recall the products. 

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.

After we called for regulation, ASIC announced a 5-year extension of the product intervention power restricting the sale of harmful and high-risk financial products called contracts for difference. This will protect consumers from financial harm. 

In 2020, CHOICE and our international counterparts found Tinder Plus users in 5 out of 6 countries were paying more depending on their age. Now, Tinder has promised to stop charging consumers different prices based on age, but hasn’t yet committed to stopping all price discrimination.

NSW introduces a minimum information standard to help people better understand what will happen if their trip is cancelled. It is the first state to act on the cancellation chaos caused by COVID-19.