The Latest Breaking News from Stephanie Tonkin

FED:Banks on notice as Westpac fined for failing clients

Banking giant Westpac has been slugged with a $26 million penalty for failing to support customers in need, a decision an expert says sends a clear message.

AAP · May 27

Gambling company offered Melbourne man $25,000 on condition he withdraw complaint to regulator and be liable for ‘adverse media’

Exclusive: Conditions on settlement negotiations common in many industries but consumer advocates concerned they could be used to ‘silence victims and avoid scrutiny’

The Guardian - AU · May 31, 2025

Devastating cost of fraudsters, scammers revealed

Rates of card fraud and scams have risen sharply, as fraudsters fleece billions of dollars, new data shows, prompting calls for action from consumer advocates.

AAP · Apr 2, 2025

Higher power bills to 'drive Victorians to poverty'

The Essential Services Commission has put forward its final default offer for Victoria, leaving more residents and businesses out of pocket.

AAP · May 25, 2023

Fears buy now, pay later crackdown will fail vulnerable Australians

A proposed crackdown on the buy now, pay later industry could fail to deliver desperately needed consumer protections, advocates fear.

The New Daily · May 22, 2023

Calls for tougher regulations on developer 'promises' in new suburbs

At the Allura estate in Melbourne, like in many new housing developments, residents say they've waited years for infrastructure. The Consumer Action Law Centre is now calling on the state government to toughen laws for developers.

ABC News · May 17, 2023

Banks unveil new weapon to fight scams, but consumer group says customers remain exposed

Australia's under-pressure banks unveil a new tool to combat scam transactions, but consumer groups say they're still not doing enough to deal with an escalating problem.

ABC News · May 15, 2023

Media denied access to cover case of three Sunshine Coast children charged with assault, deprivation of liberty

Three children stand charged over the alleged assault of a 13-year-old girl.

ABC News · Apr 6, 2023

Australia’s booming banks should do more to protect customers from scams, advocates say

More than $95m has been lost to scams so far this year, while the big four are expected to make more than $33bn

The Guardian - AU · Apr 5, 2023

Buyer's agent Jack Henderson's links to selling agent raises questions about perceived conflicts of interest in sector

When Greig used a buyer's agent to help him purchase a home, he was unaware of the agent's business links to the real estate agent selling the property. As more would-be buyers seek professional help, his story raises questions about the management of perceived conflicts of interest in the sector.

ABC News · Mar 27, 2023