Australian consumers


Shonky products and shonky ploys: our worst of the worst

Check out the shonkiest products and ploys in the shops, with consumer watchdog Choice naming its annual worst-of-the-worst awards in Sydney this afternoon. The Commonwealth Bank, Coles, Nurofen and LG have all been named and shamed for ripping off consumers.

Don’t discount the consumer in reducing emissions

Voluntary consumer action is one of a number of actions outside the CPRS that could reduce Australia greenhouse gas emissions, writes Gordon Renouf.

Consumer Confidence indexes and other exercises in branding

Regardless of their accuracy, Consumer Confidence indexes are marketing exercises designed to promote companies, peak organisations or research bodies, writes Bernard Keane.

Telemarketers use the Privacy Act to bully customers

Most Australian consumers imagine that “the Privacy Act” is intended to protect them from harm and unfair dealing. But my personal experiences and discussions with other consumers suggest that “the Privacy Act” is being invoked as a justification for what often amounts to bullying and harassment, writes Stephen Downes.