Policy
Engaged in multiple sectors, our team conducts rigorous consumer and policy research to uncover market failures and consumer harm. We actively collaborate with partners, leveraging national and international perspectives to identify and understand issues within markets. By openly sharing insights, we contribute to the creation of impactful policy solutions, fostering momentum for positive change and advocating for consumer welfare.
December 6, 2021
COVID-19 has demonstrated how essential telecommunications devices and services are to Australian consumers and how relevant 2021 Regional Telecommunications Review is. These services connect people to their families, friends, employment and are a gateway for engaging with banking, shopping, and entertainment. This reliance on these services is only more pronounced in rural and regional areas where they are critical in emergencies, being often the only way to access help and support. When consumers are unable to access phone and internet services, this forms a barrier that can contribute to regional consumers experiencing vulnerability.
October 1, 2021
In developing its Better Bills guideline, CPRC encourages the AER to consider simplifying and standardising location of key information on bills to make them more navigable for consumers.
September 23, 2021
CPRC makes a number of recommendations to ensure a market stewardship approach is taken to create a fair telecommunications sector for consumers experiencing vulnerability.
September 20, 2021
The Consumer Policy Research Centre (CPRC) welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the consultation on ‘Strengthening protections against unfair contract terms’.
September 9, 2021
CPRC’s research continually confirms that consumers are overwhelmed with the explosion of data driven products and services. Information asymmetries, lack of accessible remedies and inadequate consumer protection frameworks, mean that while the choice of digital products and services has increased, frameworks to protect consumers in this booming digital environment have not adequately kept pace.
August 26, 2021
CPRC believes that while an economy-wide consumer data right strategy has the potential to bring benefits to all Australians, it’s development and implementation should be thoughtful and reflective of the needs of consumers. Appropriate steps need to be put into place to mitigate risks to consumers to achieve what was originally intended for Consumer Data Right (CDR) – giving consumers greater control over their data.
August 18, 2021
CPRC submission to the ACCC’s Digital Platform Services Inquiry into general online marketplaces highlights our research insights on: consumer trends and risks affecting online retail marketplaces, impact of online reviews on consumer choice, collection and use of data in a digital environment, consumer experience in accessing remedies and resolving disputes.
August 2, 2021
CPRC urges Treasury to heed the concerns of consumer organisations and take appropriate steps to mitigate risks to consumers through the development of these rules to achieve what was originally intended for Consumer Data Right (CDR) – giving consumers greater control over their data.
July 30, 2021
CPRC’s submission on the Productivity Commissions draft Right to Repair report supports the proposed recommendations. However, we consider the recommendations in current form are piecemeal and lack a relevant underpinning economic framework necessary to develop a holistic regime to tackle the range of overlapping issues.
July 30, 2021
CPRC’s submission on the Productivity Commissions draft Right to Repair report supports the proposed recommendations. However, we consider the recommendations in current form are piecemeal and lack a relevant underpinning economic framework necessary to develop a holistic regime to tackle the range of overlapping issues.
June 22, 2021
CPRC strongly supports the approach, goals and initiatives outlined in the ESC’s draft Vulnerability Strategy. Drawing from on-the-ground insights from our outreach team, our submission strongly supports the initiatives for improve consumer facing information, to drive a culture shift through industry education and training, and a review of the PDF to ensure it delivers positive consumer outcomes for all Victorians.
June 11, 2021
CPRC welcomes Treasury’s decision to remaking of Retail Grocery Industry Code of Conduct rather than allowing the code to sunset. However, we urge The Treasury to consider amending the code to improve its efficacy and consequently, outcomes for consumers.
