Innholdsfortegnelse for May 2025 i CHOICE

In March, the federal government handed down its final budget before the election, with consumer concerns among the top issues addressed in the Treasurer’s speech. The government revealed plans to crack down on excessive card surcharges, tackle scams and take action on supermarket competition. Other commitments included energy rebates, price relief for essential goods in First Nations communities, and measures to keep banking services operating in regional areas. There was also a pledge to work with the states and territories to ban unfair trading practices. These issues didn’t appear out of nowhere – consumers have been calling for action on them for years. Tens of thousands of CHOICE members and supporters have lent their voices to petitions, surveys and letters to politicians to push for fairer markets and stronger protections.…

In the past year, Australians spent a record $69 billion on online goods, up 12%, as reported in Australia Post’s 2025 Annual eCommerce Report. Last year, 9.8 million Australian households shopped online, spending the most at online marketplaces ($16 billion), followed by food and liquor ($13.6 billion) and fashion and apparel ($9.6 billion). With pressures around the cost of living, the average shop dropped to $95, the lowest in a decade, indicating shoppers looking for affordable items. An executive general manager for Australia Post Gary Starr says: “With cost-of-living pressures and high inflation an ongoing concern, Aussies turn to key sales events and loyalty programs to stretch their dollar further.“ Millennials contributed the most to online spending, forking out almost $25 billion, followed by Gen X ($19 billion), Gen Z…

The corporate regulator says some small lenders providing small-amount credit contracts may be breaching the law by moving vulnerable customers into contracts with fewer protections. A recent report from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) monitoring the impact of law changes governing small credit contracts, which came into effect in 2022, says some businesses may be entering customers into unsuitable contracts. “Consumers who access these products are often financially vulnerable. That’s why people who use small-amount credit contracts are subject to additional protections,” says ASIC Commissioner Alan Kirkland. “Lenders are on notice that if we detect serious breaches of the law, we will consider taking further action. We were disappointed to uncover that some lenders may be seeking to shift consumers into other forms of credit, some of which…

Q My house insurance has risen 62% from last year. Every year I compare my options and have always found a cheaper policy. This year, however, I have not had any success. I have contacted five companies seeking a better quote than what my current insurer is offering. Can you please tell me if insurers share my information with all the other insurance companies? Why is it necessary to declare your current insurer when filling out an application for a quote? I feel there is some collusion happening and the insurers are working together to push prices up. A CHOICE home insurance expert Jodi Bird: Sorry to hear about the price increase on your home insurance. Insurers do sometimes use common data sources, so it’s possible this is factoring into the…

In September 2024, Kate got off her flight from Sydney at Melbourne Airport and went straight to the Uber pick-up zone, conveniently located right outside the terminal exit. After waiting in a queue for around 45 minutes, her husband texted to tell her there was industrial action by Uber drivers and they weren’t picking up from the airport. She eventually found the taxi rank, hundreds of metres away. It had a short queue and she was in a taxi on the way to the city in minutes. Melbourne Airport says Uber averages around 5000–6000 pickups a day, or 1.8 million a year “When you’ve just gotten off a plane, you just care about convenience and getting out of there as easy as possible,” Kate says. “Usually that’s Uber, but it’s…

A Senate inquiry has called on the federal government and telcos to do more to help Australians who have lost mobile phone coverage following the 3G shutdown. Some consumers say they’ve found it harder to get service to their phones and other devices since Australia’s 3G networks were switched off late last year. A committee of Senators from various parties has conducted an inquiry and recommended the federal government work with telcos to help Australians buy boosters and other equipment to improve their connections. They’ve also called on the government and businesses to accelerate the introduction of new ways of delivering mobile phone services. Customers still paying the same amount for services are reporting reduced coverage Spotty reception Australia has been without 3G for six months, ever since Telstra and…

Thinking of giving up your daily barista-made coffee in favour of a homemade cuppa to save money? With the current cost of living, we don’t blame you. But making the switch from a cafe coffee to an at-home brew can make serious coffee lovers nervous. Will it ever be as good? What if you spend heaps of money on a coffee machine that makes terrible coffee? Will it end up gathering dust on the bench while you run back to the cafe? These are all valid questions. And while we can’t tell you how your homemade coffee will stack up against one made by a barista, we can help you find the best home espresso machine so you can make the tastiest coffee possible and hopefully stick to your new…

Aportable cot (also known as a travel cot or portacot) is a handy item to have in the first few years of your child’s life. It’s great for holidays and sleepovers, and a convenient option if you want a second, collapsible cot at the grandparents’ or another carer’s house. But CHOICE experts recommend taking great caution when you’re buying this product, as many popular brands pose serious safety risks to babies. “In our expert labs, we regularly test a selection of portable cots currently available on the Australian market,” says CHOICE testing expert Kim Gilmour. “In our lab tests, over half of these products failed key safety requirements, which is a really disappointing result. Unfortunately, this is something we are used to seeing with this particular baby product. We assess…

Banks receiving money that scammers have stolen from Australians are set to face more scrutiny, with authorities announcing extra measures to crack down on online criminals. From next year, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) – a key body responsible for resolving scam-related disputes with financial institutions – will be able to investigate and consider the actions of banks that have received stolen funds. Currently, AFCA can only consider the actions of banks with a direct customer relationship when considering the case of a scam victim. It has previously ordered banks to compensate scam victims and is expected to have an expanded role in handling scam-related complaints under the national Scams Prevention Framework. The changes to AFCA’s remit come as the Australian Federal Police says it has boosted its presence…

New Zealand’s Commerce Commission has filed criminal charges in the Wellington District Court against HelloFresh, alleging it misled customers in cold calls to “re-activate” their previously cancelled subscriptions. HelloFresh customers were allegedly offered a discount voucher which, upon its acceptance, would reactivate their subscription – something allegedly unclear to consumers. The claim relates to conduct between February 2022 and July 2023. The Commission’s investigation followed a high number of complaints about HelloFresh’s sign up, cancellation and reactivation processes. Deputy chair Anne Callinan says the Commission believes New Zealand’s Fair Trading Act was breached by HelloFresh, as the conduct resulted in some cancelled subscriptions being reactivated without customers’ express consent or knowledge. “We’re concerned some consumers have been misled into paying for services from HelloFresh they didn’t want through the use…

If you’ve had a bad experience, been ripped off or scammed, tell us and help other CHOICE members avoid the same traps. If you’ve had a great response to a complaint you’ve taken to a manufacturer or retailer, our members want to know about that too! Letters may be edited for length and clarity. Ridiculous retail I went to purchase some kitchenware. I searched online and found a suitable item at House for $29.99 available to ‘click and collect’ from my local store. I went to the store and found the shelf price for the item was $59.99. I mentioned the click and collect price to the staff who confirmed it was the same item, but the store was unable or unwilling to match the price. I was invited to…

Price trackers such as CamelCamelCamel, Zyft, Honey and BuyWisely pitch themselves as useful budgeting tools for tackling the cost of living. But can these emerging websites, apps and browser extensions actually be relied upon to find a bargain? To find out, we looked at whether they display accurate prices, and if you can rely on their trending data to spot a true discount. Plus, while you’re collecting information from them, what info are they collecting from you? What are price trackers? Price trackers are digital tools that let you see a product’s current price at a particular retailer and compare it with any previous prices at the same retailer. The makers of these tools say this ability to show you what a product cost in the past – often via…

Whether you’re cruising the Caribbean or taking a tour of Europe, travel insurance is a must. But buying travel insurance when you have a pre-existing medical condition can be tricky. As we get older, the list of medical conditions or surgeries we’ve had tends to get longer, which means that getting the right cover for your needs can get a little more complicated. In terms of insurance, a pre-existing medical condition can include anything from asthma or dermatitis through to coeliac disease, diabetes or high blood pressure. If you’ve had a knee or hip replacement, or cancer treatment, this is also considered by insurers to be a pre-existing medical condition that can affect the price of your cover – if they’ll cover you at all. You should never assume that…

Whether you love or loathe ironing, we can all agree that anything that makes the job easier is a good thing. Having the right tool for the job will save you from hours of slaving over a hot ironing board, wondering why on earth you can’t just wear a tracksuit to work. When it comes to de-creasing your clothes, there are three options: a traditional iron, a steam station, or a garment steamer. Which one is right for you will depend on factors like how frequently you iron, what kind of fabrics you wear, what your budget is, and how much of a stickler you are for wrinkle-free rayon and creases in your culottes. We explain the pros and cons of each type of ironing appliance and share stories from…

Finding a cheap TV isn’t hard, but finding a decent-quality display that doesn’t break the bank? That requires a bit more work. There are plenty of budget big and small screens around from major brands including LG, Samsung and Sony, and a few lesser known brands you may want to avoid. Ever heard of a Konka TV? Exactly. At the end of the day, even the best quality budget models aren’t going to match the quality of a more expensive TV. And TVs can get really pricey. We’ve tested models that cost as much as $7000, and that’s not even close to the most expensive models on the market. Some manufacturers sell consumergrade TVs that cost over $10,000. The budget range is a little more financially forgiving. TVs in this…

When a hot water system goes – with a bang, a whimper, or even a flood – it tends to go suddenly. At that point you don’t have the luxury of carefully reviewing the available options, unless you love cold showers. Instead, you usually get a replacement of the same type rushed in ASAP and then forget about it until next time. But what if you were missing out on a better, more-efficient system? Water heating accounts for a quarter of a typical household’s energy use – sometimes, even more – so reviewing your hot water use or buying a better unit before your current one carks it could save you considerable cash in the long run. This guide explains the different types of hot water systems, their pros and…

Our long-serving rogues’ gallery of dodgy ads, toe-curling typos and misadventures in marketing, as sent in by you – our tickled, angered and bewildered readers. And thanks to the timeless shonkiness of so much advertising, you’re always spoilt for choice – so keep ’em coming. Email high-quality unedited photos to hardword@choice.com.au. This month, thanks go to Barry Arnold (Artistic license), Elyse Graham (Living large), John Harries (Brunch out) and Jonathan Saville (I can’t see clearly now). I CAN’T SEE CLEARLY NOW For people who prefer the wet look, it’s as easy as 1, 3, 2! ARTISTIC LICENCE This discount is sketchy at best. LIVING LARGE How big must their prams be? BRUNCH OUT ‘All day’ for anyone who isn’t a morning person.…

Big four bank NAB has revealed its website was impersonated hundreds of times last year by scam portals designed to steal financial and personal information. The bank says it identified and helped take down almost 600 “realistic looking” sites trying to impersonate NAB or its products. The sites were often used to push phishing and investment scams or promise high windfalls from financial products or services. It comes after ASIC revealed it’s helped shut down an average of 130 investment scam sites a week since 2023. The corporate regulator operates a service dedicated to removing the sites and has named combating and disrupting investment scams as one of its key priorities. Investment opportunities aren’t the only target of online fakery – CHOICE has previously identified various sites impersonating major retailers…

In October last year, the federal government delivered a damning 457-page report on the home insurance industry’s response to the devastating 2022 floods across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania. To make a long and painful story short, insurance companies left many homeowners in the lurch in their time of – in some cases desperate – need. The chair of the committee conducting the inquiry, Dr Daniel Mulino, cited a “collective failure by insurers to meet their obligations to policyholders”. The Insurance Council of Australia – suitably chastened, it seemed – came back with an “industry action plan” so that it never happens again. But consumer advocates are having a hard time buying it. “Trust us just won’t cut it,” says senior policy and advocacy officer Drew MacRae from…

Australia is the skin cancer capital of the world. But despite strong public health messaging about the risks of tanning, young people are increasingly engaging in the skin-tinting culture in new and dangerous ways. Influencers promoting and using tanning nasal sprays are popping up on the social media feeds of Gen Z youth across the globe, including here in Australia. An agent primed to boost certain hormones, tanning nasal sprays are designed to help people achieve a natural-looking tan, but they’re potentially dangerous. Many of the sprays sold online contain ingredients that can only be prescribed by a doctor In Australia, many of the sprays sold online contain ingredients that can only be prescribed by a doctor and issued by a pharmacist. However, CHOICE found several examples of melanotan products…

One of the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s priorities is to ensure unauthorised medical devices don’t end up on the Australian market. But with the expansion of borderless online shopping platforms such as eBay and Amazon, it’s a priority that’s getting harder to police. In 2023–24, the TGA requested the removal of 4800 unlawful ads for therapeutic goods and devices from digital platforms, including social media platforms. In the following six months, up to December 2024, it had requested the removal of about 12,000 such ads. And this was probably a small portion of the ads for counterfeit medical goods that were seen by Australians over this period. The TGA has acknowledged that it’s hard to tell an ad for counterfeit goods from an ad for a genuine item without launching a…

Buying a new mattress can feel like you’re taking a bit of a gamble. Trying a bed in a showroom while a salesperson looks on and other customers stroll past is unlikely to give you a good idea of what it’s actually like to sleep on. Even if you can relax enough to get a sense of how comfortable you’ll be, you won’t know how long your mattress will continue to perform. And with more and more of us choosing to buy a mattress online, you may not even have the chance to get a feel for the product before you buy. We survey more than 2000 Australians about their mattresses to give us realworld results With so many different products available from various brands all promising you a great…

No one likes doing laundry. Not only is it a boring, thankless task, but depending on how you wash your clothes and use your washing machine, it can get expensive, too. If you’re like most of us, you’ve probably noticed the price of household items, water and electricity biting into your budget. In fact, in our September 2024 Consumer Pulse survey, more than nine out of 10 people (93%) told us that their household expenses had increased in the previous 12 months. And the way you do your laundry is responsible for a chunk of that cost, whether it’s the detergent you use or how you operate your washing machine. We’ve written before about how making a few simple changes to your laundry habits can mean big savings. We’ve recently…

When you’re shopping for a laptop, it’s important to remember that it’s more than just the size or speed that counts. Finding the right model to suit your needs and price range involves a whole lot of other considerations, too, which is where we come in. Price point ENTRY-LEVEL If you want laptop for basic tasks like web browsing, emailing and video streaming, you can find sub-$700 “budget” models. They may not have enough power under the hood for gaming or creative tasks like photo and video editing, and while screen quality is decent, they aren’t suitable for design work. But they can handle day-to-day tasks with no issues. Entry-level models don’t have enough power for gaming or creative tasks like photo and video editing MID-RANGE Generally speaking, mid-range laptops…