<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Consumer group Choice has named the "winners" of its 20th annual Shonky Awards, including a big four bank, a major health insurer, and a massively popular online marketplace.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The so-called "awards" are bestowed upon products, services, and companies deemed by Choice to have let down Australian consumers.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Choice chief executive Ashley de Silva said the Shonkys had helped deliver "some major wins" for the public, including deeper scrutiny of the supermarkets, fines and refunds from other companies.</span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/social-media-ban-under16s-will-be-blocked-from--reddit-but-not-roblox/00731b89-42dd-4624-acaf-a3dcaf0a68f0" rel="" target="_blank" title=""><strong><span>Warning five weeks out from social media age ban</span></strong></a><strong><span></span></strong></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><h3><strong><span>Commonwealth Bank</span></strong></h3></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Commonwealth Bank was among the "winners" this year, for what Choice described as "making bank off the back of Australia's poorest".</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Earlier this year, CommBank was one of the major banks ASIC caught charging low-income customers excessive fees, when they were eligible for low or no-fee accounts," de Silva said.</span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/national/shonkys-awards-choice-names-commonwealth-bank-temu-hcf-energy-retailers/100afa9c-2325-4462-a1ec-e1618e6d8c6a" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"In CommBank's case, 2.2 million customers were collectively charged $270 million in unfair fees."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/new-cctv-shows-anti-semitic-graffiti-sprayed-in-melbourne/51e8d6fa-228e-42aa-bdd6-172f3d5df7cd" rel="" target="_blank" title=""><strong><span>Two men sought over spate of antisemitic graffiti attacks</span></strong></a><span></span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>De Silva also said Commonwealth Bank initially refused to issue refunds, before deciding to consider them on a case-by-case basis.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>He said this award, the bank's fourth, marked it as "the most awarded Australian company in Shonkys history". </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>In response to this year's "award", Commonwealth Bank said in a statement they were "committed to making banking fair and accessible for customers".</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"In July, we committed to making goodwill adjustments where appropriate to customers who have incurred unusually high fees," the statement read.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"For eligible concession customers, we have paused certain fees, including overdraw and monthly account-keeping fees.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Following ASIC's Better Banking for Indigenous Consumers report, we made approximately $25 million in goodwill payments to approximately 87,000 accounts."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><h3><strong><span>Energy retailers</span></strong></h3></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>De Silva said energy retailers collectively were receiving a Shonky this year for "sneaky pricing tactics designed to confuse customers".</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"We've seen a number of retailers roll out new, cheaper plans with the exact same name as existing plans," he said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/asio-boss-mike-burgess-says-three-countries-willing-to-try-to-kill-on-australia-soil-asio-chief-warns/5c376751-0ef5-4d5c-a1f1-0e55cc487f62" rel="" target="_blank" title=""><strong><span>Three countries 'willing' to try to kill on Australian soil, ASIO says</span></strong></a><strong><span></span></strong></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"As a result, many consumers were led to believe they were already on the best plan as their current plan name was identical – potentially missing out on savings as a result."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Choice estimated customers could have saved a collective $65 million a year if the distinctions between plans had been clearer.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><h3><strong><span>Temu</span></strong></h3></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Super-popular online marketplace Temu received a Shonky for "being an unsafe haven for dodgy sales tactics and fast fashion".</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Its customer service leaves much to be desired, purchases can take a very long time to arrive, and it's often difficult to get refunds," de Silva said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Temu is also one of the biggest drivers of fast fashion, selling poorly made clothes at cheap prices."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>However, de Silva said safety was "perhaps the biggest issue" with the marketplace.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"In 2024, CHOICE purchased and tested 15 randomly selected coin- and button battery-operated products from Temu, with every product tested failing at least one requirement of Australian button battery regulations designed to keep children safe," he said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"While all 15 items have been removed from sale, Temu has continued to make headlines for safety issues."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>He cited the case of an eight-year-old girl in Queensland who suffered burns when a hoodie she was wearing, purchased off Temu, was set alight by sparks from a firepit.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The ACCC found the hoodie breached safety standards as it had no fire warning label.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Four months later, Temu recalled the hoodie, but the damage had already been done," de Silva said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"To make matters worse, Temu has still failed to join a number of other online marketplaces in signing up to the voluntary Product Safety Pledge, designed to do more to protect consumers."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>A Temu spokesperson said customer safety was a "top priority" and that the vast majority of the marketplace's shoppers reported positive experiences.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"We've invested significantly in compliance measures, including robust seller vetting, pre-listing checks and ongoing monitoring using both automated systems and human review," the spokesperson said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"We act swiftly to remove listings when there is a concern. In the incidents cited by CHOICE, all affected items were promptly removed, and we've since further strengthened oversight in higher-risk categories."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Temu does not manufacture the goods for sale on its website, but provides a platform for vendors.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><h3><strong><span>Health insurer HCF</span></strong></h3></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>HCF Health Insurance was accused by Choice of orchestrating "a price rise in disguise".</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"We're giving HCF a Shonky Award this year for purposefully bypassing the government approval process for health insurance premium increases on existing policies – sneakily closing an existing policy, and opening a new policy with almost identical cover, but a significantly higher price," de Silva said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"This year, HCF closed its Premium Gold policy to new members, instead releasing a nearly identical policy called 'Optimal Gold' with a whopping 34.6 per cent price increase – no government approval required."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>An HCF spokesperson said the company had "updated its product and pricing structure for new Gold policy sales" to keep Gold-level protection "accessible, equitable, and sustainable".</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"These changes apply only to new sales and are in full compliance with industry standards and regulations. Premium Gold products purchased prior to February 2025 remain unchanged," the spokesperson said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Since updating our Gold product offering, we've engaged in regular constructive discussions to address concerns and will comply with any future changes in legislation or regulation."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The spokesperson said the challenges reflected broader sector pressures driven by higher costs from complex claims, particularly those involving mental health.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Our goal is to maintain comprehensive protection for those who need it most while ensuring value for all members," they said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Over the last decade, we have returned 89 cents of every dollar in premiums as benefits to members – higher than the industry average of 84 cents."</span></div></div><div class="styles__Wrapper-sc-2o34ro-0 cmwkBV"><div class="styles__Column-sc-2o34ro-3 jJDKrX"><a href="/content/2025/05/26/09/20/most-trusted-brands-in-australia-revealed-2025"><img alt="Bunnings warehouse and toyota two way spit" sizes="(min-width: 1024px) 636px, (min-width: 768px) 396px, 100vw" src="https://imageresizer.static9.net.au/G3cpvRARNVxcu5HDXrHohJM5VDI=/396x223/https%3A%2F%2Fprod.static9.net.au%2Ffs%2Fdff880ce-82a8-4f98-a0fe-4f1112b18e1c" srcset="https://imageresizer.static9.net.au/G3cpvRARNVxcu5HDXrHohJM5VDI=/396x223/https%3A%2F%2Fprod.static9.net.au%2Ffs%2Fdff880ce-82a8-4f98-a0fe-4f1112b18e1c 396w, https://imageresizer.static9.net.au/-UvmdzG21gGi5SykZ7ApeGqBukw=/636x358/https%3A%2F%2Fprod.static9.net.au%2Ffs%2Fdff880ce-82a8-4f98-a0fe-4f1112b18e1c 636w"/></a></div><div class="styles__Column-sc-2o34ro-3 jJDKrX"><div class="styles__Headline-sc-2o34ro-4 hpbOlz">Australia's most trusted brands for 2025 revealed</div><div class="styles__Button-sc-2o34ro-1 eBjlmW"><a class="styles__ButtonLink-sc-2o34ro-2 hqpklJ" href="/content/2025/05/26/09/20/most-trusted-brands-in-australia-revealed-2025">View Gallery</a></div></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><h3><strong><span>Handy heater?</span></strong></h3></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The final Shonky for the year went to the Handy Heater Turbo 800, which de Silva said was "a plug-in heater that doesn't plug in".</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"In Australia, all electric devices must have a plug that fits directly into an Australian power point. To plug this heater into an Australian socket, you'd need an adaptor – but that's just strike one," he said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"The travel adaptor that came with the heater also wasn't compliant, leaving pins exposed when plugged into an Australian power point.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Other safety issues included a lack of any kind of thermal protection device, insecure wiring, and a heating element directly mounted onto thermoplastic – a material that becomes soft when heated."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>De Silva also claimed that according to Choice testing, the heater didn't produce "anywhere near" as much heat as its advertising suggested.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/how-to-follow-9news-digital/29855bb1-ad3d-4c38-bc25-3cb52af1216f" target="_blank"><strong><em><span>DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP</span></em></strong></a><strong><em><span>: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. 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