30  Sept 2025

IF IT IS BROKE — AUSTRALIANS WANT IT FIXED

NEW RESEARCH FINDS AUSTRALIANS WANT REPAIRABILITY LABELS TO END COSTLY DISPOSABLE CULTURE

Australians want stronger rights to repair their appliances, with new research from the Consumer Policy Research Centre (CPRC) showing widespread support for durability and repairability labels to help households make smarter, longer-lasting purchases.

The Misused and Confused report, funded through Energy Consumers Australia’s (ECA) grants program, reveals that while Australians want appliances that last, they are being left in the dark at the point of sale.

Leading researcher of the project, CPRC Senior Research and Engagement Advisor, Marianne Campbell said, “At the point of sale, Australians are being misled by vague and unregulated ‘green’ claims on major household appliances — leaving households vulnerable to confusion, higher costs, and wasted money.”“To buy truly efficient appliances, Australians need not just water and energy information, but also clear details on how long a product will last and whether it can be easily repaired,” Ms Campbell said.

Key findings from the report:

• 85% of Australians want manufacturers to disclose appliance lifespans.
• 83% support a standardised durability rating.
• Australians can potentially waste up to $1.2 billion if households buy appliances based on misleading green claims instead of reliable durability and repair information
• 79% want labels to state if an appliance can be repaired with readily available parts, and nearly three-quarters support a repairability score.
• 39% of appliance displays carried vague green claims, and 32% of sales staff relied on them when selling — leaving durability and repairability off the table.
• Australians are pushed to replace rather than repair — many are unaware of their rights under consumer law or unable to access affordable repairs.
• Sales staff expect appliances to last close to 8 years on average, but many manufacturer warranties often only cover up to 4 — leaving consumers to guess the true product lifespan.

ECA Executive Manager, Advocacy and Policy, Adam Collins, said the findings highlight how durability and repairability go hand-in-hand with energy efficiency.

“Consumers need clear and accurate information at the point of sale about the energy efficiency and running costs of major appliances to know if they are making a good investment.

“This important research shows how vague claims or incomplete information at the point of sale make it more difficult for consumers to make informed decisions for their needs,” Mr Collins said.

“A repairability and durability label — like those already in use overseas — would give Australians the certainty they need, reduce household costs, and cut unnecessary waste.” Ms Campbell said.

More information, including the full report is available at: cprc.org.au/report/misused-and-confused

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MEDIA ENQUIRIES 

CPRC
Liliana Campos
Communications Manager
T: +61 (0) 493 539 466
E: liliana.campos@cprc.org.au