Research
Our team operates across various sectors, conducting thorough consumer and policy research to pinpoint market failures and consumer harm. Using both national and international perspectives, we engage in collaborative efforts to address identified issues and share insights openly. Through partnerships and open collaboration, we work towards creating impactful changes for consumers and contribute to the development of effective policy solutions.
March 31, 2021
The Consumer Policy Research Centre (CPRC) has been engaged to prepare a series of consumer research reports for the Data Standards Body (DSB). The reports will cover subjects identified by DSB, CPRC and consumer/community groups as being priority topics.
March 18, 2021
The Consumer Policy Research Centre (CPRC) is a strong supporter of an unfair trading practices prohibition being introduced in Australia. This reform would address a gap in the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) and we are pleased to contribute to the ongoing consideration of this matter by Ministers responsible for consumer affairs across Australia and New Zealand.
December 07, 2020
New research finds Australian consumers want more control over their personal information and expect fair treatment
August 30, 2020
Regulatory inquiries and Royal Commissions continue to identify poor practices by firms delivering essential and complex services, resulting in consumer detriment.
August 28, 2020
CPRC was engaged by the AER to investigate the emerging approaches to regulation and policy design for consumer vulnerability. Our report sets out opportunities for essential service market stewards to adopt a more inclusive approach to supporting all consumers.
July 07, 2020
Led by CPRC Senior Research and Policy Manager, Ben Martin Hobbs and co-authored by CPRC Research and Policy Director, Emma O’Neill, the report draws together CPRC’s consolidated insights into the common experiences of older people across essential and important consumer markets. It identifies the priority approaches for policymakers to take forward, to improve consumer outcomes and better ensure markets work for people. As we respond to COVID-19 and consider what recovery looks like for consumers, it’s a unique time for connecting, reflection, creative thinking and change.
June 20, 2020
Our focus in this report is on the consumer policy dimensions of COVID-19, including access to essential products and services – encompassing energy, housing, telecommunications and financial services; access to important consumer protections; and the potential for greater harm when living our lives so pervasively online. However, given the scale and impact of COVID-19 as a health and economic event and its unprecedented impact on consumers, we have also taken a more holistic view of relevant policy issues at this time. At various points in this report we consider the interplay of consumer policy with issues of government income support and economic stimulus measures, and distributional fairness in the funding of consumer support.
January 20, 2020
Affordable, effective and quality care is essential to Australia’s ageing population and the growing number of older people choosing to age in place. The sector has seen a range of reforms in response to the Productivity Commission’s 2013 report, Caring for Older Australians. As a result of the Living Longer Living Better and Increasing Choice in Home Care reforms, home care is now assigned directly to the individual with the intent of enabling Home Care Package (HCP) recipients to control and better manage their own care, a Consumer Directed Care (CDC) model.
December 19, 2019
Our new paper Online reviews: a guide not a gospel explores how Australians are increasingly relying upon online reviews when buying goods and services online. 82% of those surveyed had looked at online reviews or ratings at least sometimes over the last 12 months.
May 29, 2019
Led by CPRC Senior Research and Policy Officer, Brigid Richmond, the report presents the personal data extracted from consumers each day, often without their full knowledge, understanding, or consent.
February 25, 2019
The Renter’s Journey explores the rental journeys of four key segments – women aged 55 and over, young singles, low income families, and newly arrived migrants – highlighting five common challenges and presenting 10 policy implications.
September 23, 2018
CPRC’s new discussion paper But are they any good? explores the role of service quality information in consumer decision-making and choice, the impact of information asymmetry and offers important insights for policymakers and businesses.
