Business
Consumer affairs
Toy seller fined $415,000 for selling dangerous musical candles
A children’s toy retailer who sold candles which played Happy Birthday before bursting into flames and melting has been fined $415,000 by the Federal Court.
- by David Estcourt
Latest
Energy
Energy companies launch industry charter to win back consumers' trust
Nearly 20 energy companies have vowed to lift accountability and restore Australians' trust in the electricity sector with a plan to improve industry behaviour.
- by Cole Latimer
Opinion
At first I was irate. Then the red-light fine changed something in me
If every indiscretion resulted in a penalty, many of us would be bankrupt.
- by Meredith Williams
Scams
Netflix customers urged to be vigilant as 'high quality' email scam circulates
It appears to be a legitimate email from Netflix, but closer inspection reveals it to be a credit card phishing scam.
- by Jenny Noyes
Phones
Is voicemail dead? Experts say yes
Aussie telcos say voicemail is still an important part of daily life but experts say it's on the way out with text-based communication forging the way.
- by Charlotte Grieve
Media & marketing
What Vegemite's branding says about Australian culture
From children dressed as soldiers to high-end dining and grand slam tennis, Vegemite is spreading its wings in a bid to retain a spot at the (kitchen) table.
- by Charlotte Grieve
Shopping
Big business is tracking your spending habits as the mercury climbs
Retailers and businesses are noticing a difference in consumer spending when it rains, hails or shines too much.
- by Sumeyya Ilanbey
Consumer rights
Got slow NBN? Ask for a refund, consumer watchdog says
The ACCC has urged 94,000 NBN customers to see if they are eligible for a refund for slow speeds.
- by Rachel Clun
Australian Open
Japanese noodle company apologises for ad depicting fair-skinned Osaka
Naomi Osaka, the half-Haitian, half-Japanese tennis champion, is the star of a new Japanese anime-style advertisement. The problem? The cartoon Osaka bears little resemblance to her real, bi-racial self.
- by Daniel Victor
Energy
Energy companies fined for cutting power to people on life support
The energy watchdog has slapped two electricity companies with fines of $40,000 each after they cut power to people on life support.
- by Cole Latimer
Food safety
Popular Sydney fast food outlet closes after video of rats emerges
The Oporto store in Broadway has closed after video surfaces showing rats scurrying on the floor.
- by Laura Chung