Smart meters are getting smarter, but what does that mean for consumers?
Published 6 September 2023
In most of Australia, about a third of premises have these meters and all new and replacement units must be 'smart'. They are already mandatory in Victoria, and there are plans to transition fully by 2030, but there are concerns about what this might mean for consumers. [more]
Australia Post has you writing your last letter in 2033
Published 4 September 2023
Mail deliveries and post offices are in the firing line at Australia Post: they're losing money. Is another essential service biting the dust?
$93 million for NSW palliative care upgrades, but is it enough?
Published 1 September 2023
Big money is finally being spent on NSW palliative care facilities, but is it enough and will it improve end-of-life care?
Is home insurance about to become a luxury?
Published 30 August 2023
Home insurance is an essential thing to have, but what if it becomes so expensive many have to go without? One in eight, a new report says.
NSW news: Bushfire Brigade gets ready for work
Published 30 August 2023
The bushfire season starts at different times in different places. Fire danger signs are going digital. Time for us all to get ready.
Would you be willing to pay aged care insurance?
Published 28 August 2023
More and better aged care is going to cost more. A lot more. A Taskforce is looking at where the money will come from. Tax levies? Insurance?
Hearing check could reduce your dementia risk by half
Published 25 August 2023
Research shows that dementia risk increases for some people with hearing loss. Getting checked is simple, perhaps it's time to ask your GP?
How to cancel utility accounts for a deceased person
Published 23 August 2023
Privacy laws can make it difficult to cancel utility accounts for people who have died. Upsetting, especially if it's somebody close to you.
Battery fires are on the rise in NSW
Published 21 August 2023
Electric bikes, scooters and discarded batteries have a nasty way of bursting into flames. NSW is campaigning against battery fires.
GP payroll tax: guess who’s paying?
Published 21 August 2023
GPs running their own practice don't pay it, but medical centres employing GPs as contractors must now pay it: the GP payroll tax.
Utility costs in embedded networks under review
Published 18 August 2023
NSW News: The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) is looking at the cost of utilities like power, gas and water for customers in embedded networks. This is where utilities are sold by a third party – such as in residential land lease communities - as well as some retirement villages and apartment complexes. [more]
Here’s how to save on prescriptions from 1 September
Published 14 August 2023
Pharmacists are screaming blue murder but it's about time they were stopped whacking patients with unnecessary personal contributions.
Allergic to antibiotics or fibbing?
Published 11 August 2023
Most people who think they're allergic to first-line antibiotics are not. The consequences can be serious.
What would you rather, 4c/ltr off fuel or a $250 seniors regional travel card?
Published 9 August 2023
Stories about a 4c a litre fuel discount replacing the regional seniors travel card are just that for the moment: stories.
Bush mobile coverage dealt blow by consumer protection
Published 7 August 2023
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has blocked a deal between Telstra and TPG that would have meant more mobile coverage for people living in regional areas.
Pension to rise by 3.25% in September 2023
Published 4 August 2023
The Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI) reflects prices for things older people typically spend their money on. It is sitting at 3.25%, which means that the basic pension will go up by this amount in September.
Online scams and how to avoid them
Published 2 August 2023
Here are some common online scams and how to avoid them, as well as where to go for help and more information.
Supermarket tricks: spot marketing traps and save
Published 31 July 2023
Supermarkets have a range of traps designed to get customers to spend more. With the rising cost of living many of us as looking for ways to save on the basics.
Pension to go up by at least 2.2% in September 2023
Published 28 July 2023
The June 2023 Consumer Price Index (CPI) suggests that the pension will go up by 2.2 per cent on 20 September this year.
Double minimum withdrawal rates, says super industry
Published 26 July 2023
If you have a superannuation pension, every year you have to take out a minimum. It's hated by retirees. Now there are voices calling for doubling the minimum withdrawal rates.
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