Consumer Action Law Centre

03/09/2026

SUBMISSION: Ensuring the Scam Prevention Framework works for First Nations consumers. It recommends targeted changes to ensure the SPF does not reproduce existing inequalities and that regulated entities are required to design their systems, support and dispute resolution pathways with and for First Nations consumers and communities.

This supplementary submission should be read alongside our main joint consumer submission on the Scams Prevention Framework (SPF), submitted on Friday 3 July 2026. This submission considers whether the SPF will provide effective, accessible and culturally safe protections for First Nations consumers...

02/09/2026

02/09/2026

“Customer Owned Banks often claim they are more community-focused. It’s about time
they genuinely put people at the heart of their businesses, particularly through supporting their First Nations customers and customers experiencing vulnerabilities.” said Meg Dalling, Assistant Director, Consumer Action Law Centre.

02/09/2026

Excellent comments Effie Zahos ASIC's report highlights the RISKS of accepting a cash settlement from your insurer. Customers are not given enough information to make an adequte decision especially after a disaster.

Financial Counselling Australia National Debt Helpline Federation of Community Legal Centres Victoria

02/09/2026

INSURANCE RISKS: Consumer Action Law Centre assistant director Meg Dalling says with cash settlements part of most home insurance claims, transparency has never been more important.
“Without clear information about the risks, responsibilities and alternatives available, consumers can be left carrying unexpected costs and managing complex repairs themselves,” she said.

Consumer groups weigh in on ASIC cash settlement probe 01 September 2026 Consumer advocates have backed the corporate regulator’s push for improved cash settlement practices after a review found the payouts may result in unfair outcomes for home insurance claimants, especially after disasters. The...

01/09/2026

Today we had visitors from NAB experience our 'day in the life' programme. Listening in to calls to the National Debt Helpline, we hope our visitors have a better understanding of the type of problems we hear, and what financial counsellor can do to help!
Financial Counselling Australia CHOICE

31/08/2026

BIRTHDAY BASH: “There has been a change in tone for the industry over the past 20 years, with insurers increasingly relying on complex products, opaque pricing practices and claims processes that too often place the burden on consumers,” centre CEO Stephanie Tonkin said.

Birthday bash: consumer group slams industry trends 31 August 2026 Insurers have been criticised by advocacy group the Consumer Action Law Centre as it marks its 20th anniversary. “There has been a change in tone for the industry over the past 20 years, with insurers increasingly relying on co...

31/08/2026

Thank you The Mandarin for your thoughtful words, yes, we try our BEST to fight DODGY for all Australians! We particuarly like your following comments:

"A really good Consumer Action representation or intervention nips dud and defective policy in the bud before its exploiters start looting.
A satisfactory position usually illuminates prosecutable harms and/or breaches that send policy promulgators and any of their shielding ministers running for cover under industrial quantities of glitter. Prosecutions can and do follow."
Financial Counselling Australia CHOICE Financial Counselling Victoria - FCVic

There are policy submissions, and then there are Consumer Action Law Centre torpedoes. Front-load the evidence, take careful aim, brace for impact.

31/08/2026

We have been hearing about gift-card related scams for years, but this deviation comes with a fresh twist. Is this ABC report talking about an 'analog' scam, fraud, or something scam adjacent? Gift cards tampered by crooks are only activated once they have been sold. The purchaser then becomes the victim. SICK!

An ABC investigation discovers gift cards that have been tampered with are being sold by Australia's biggest supermarkets, with charges even being laid over the issue.

28/08/2026

We're HIRING! A Manager – Intake and Client Access
Lead the team behind Consumer Action’s new integrated legal Intake Service and help improve access to justice for Victorians experiencing consumer, credit and debt issues. As Manager, Intake and Client Access, you’ll be part of a team establishing and leading the organisation’s intake, triage and referral services, ensuring people are connected to the right support at the right time. You’ll recruit and build a high-performing team, drive service quality and continuous improvement, strengthen referral partnerships, and use frontline insights to inform service delivery, advocacy and systemic reform. This is a rare opportunity to shape a critical new service and deliver meaningful impact for consumers across Victoria.
Applications close: 5:00 PM AEST, 13th Sep 2026

Manager - Intake and Client Access Consumer Action Law Centre Job description ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY Lead the team behind Consumer Action's new integrated legal Intake Service and help improve access to justice for Victorians experiencing consumer, credit and debt issues. As Manager, Intake and Clien...