GUIDES
How to fight back
Who to call, what to say, and where to escalate when the institution won’t budge.
When your bank says no
How to complain to (or about) the Big Four
The Big Four — Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ and NAB — are among the most profitable banks on earth. They have armies of lawyers, scripted call centres and complaint “journeys” built to wear you down. You have a shoebox of statements and a hold queue. This guide shows how you even the odds.
Rates shock
How to challenge your council rates notice
Council rates across Australia’s capital cities rose 39% in a decade, while inflation rose 30.8%. Canberra owners copped 83%, Hobart 46% and Brisbane 43% (Money.com.au, ABS data).
Councils call it a “rate peg” or a “special variation”. Homeowners call it what it is: a second mortgage you can’t refinance. You can’t shop around for a cheaper council. But you can challenge the numbers on the notice. Here’s how.
'Hotel California' banking
How to close an account or cancel a credit card
Australia’s banks shut 41% of their branches between June 2017 and June 2024 (APRA). Meanwhile, they will approve a new credit card online in minutes.
That is not an accident. In 2017 the banking lobby rejected a recommendation to let customers cancel credit cards simply online. Parliament had to legislate to force it. You can check out any time you like — the banks just hoped you would never leave. Here’s how you do.
Pension paperchase
How to claim the Age Pension
The Age Pension is not charity. It is an entitlement. But Services Australia only pays it to people who can prove, line by line, that they qualify. Here’s how to get your claim right the first time and through the system.
The Great Gas Scam
How to tell Canberra it's our gas
Independent Senator David Pocock calls it the Great Gas Scam. Alongside the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), the Australia Institute and dozens of other groups, he wants a 25% tax on gas export revenue. Here’s how you join the fight.
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