Australian Repair Network 2020 Media Features
Productivity Commission examines our rights to repair
ABC Radio Life Matters: December 2020
The Productivity Commission has recently released an issues paper as part of an inquiry into what is termed the 'right to repair'.
At a time when we have become increasingly reliant on disposable goods, what needs to change to ensure consumers can repair goods safely at competitive prices and keep products out of landfill? Guests are Leanne Wiseman, Professor in intellectual property law at Griffith University and John Gertsakis, co-founder of Ewaste Watch and Adjunct Professor at the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney.
Right to repair under scrutiny
ABC Radio AM: October 2020
Does it annoy you that you can't replace the battery in your own phone? Or, that the warranty on your car or washing machine will be voided unless you use the manufacturer's repairer? How about fridges not being made to last? Well, after years of consumer complaints, the Federal Government has announced an inquiry.
Think: Digital Futures – Rethinking Repair
Radio 2SER: May 2020
Electronic waste is a mounting problem, with hundreds of thousand of tonnes of electronics going into landfill every year, in Australia alone. You’re more likely to just buy a new appliance, rather than spending more time and money to get it repaired. Electronic locks on technology mean both owners and repair people struggle to do basic fixes on the things we buy. How did we end up with this throwaway culture, where it’s easier to buy something new than to have it repaired? And how do we find a way out?
Australia’s Right to Repair
Radio Adelaide 101.5: February 2020
These days, it’s far easier to replace your electronic device than to repair it. Manufacturers rarely encourage consumers to return their faulty phones, tablets or computers – and consequently there have been enormous accumulations of waste and environmental ramifications. In the EU, an EcoDesign Directive has been developed for implementation next year, which modifies consumer laws for the right to return their devices to manufacturers for repair. While the Australian consumer affairs minister has promised the introduction of such laws, Australia seems to be lagging behind in the global Right to Repair movement.
Professor of Law at Griffith University in Queensland, Leanne Wiseman, joins Breakfast’s Tom Mann and Zoe Kounadis to discuss the Right to Repair movement and where Australia fits in in this plan.
US and EU laws show Australia’s Right to Repair moment is well overdue
The Conversation: February 2020
As the US and EU experience has shown, Right to Repair legislation – laws that make it easier for consumers, repairers and tinkerers to fix their broken goods – can offer an attractive alternative to the problem of overflowing, dangerous e-waste.
Right to repair movement gaining international momentum: Australia urged to follow
ABC Radio PM: February 2020
If you're frustrated by the cost and hassle of fixing your smartphone, washing machine, or even your car - there may be cause for hope. There's a growing push against the manufacturers that don't want you or your repairman to fix your device.
The Right to Repair movement has seen laws passed in Europe in recent months to make repair easier and cheaper. The US is considering legislation, and Australia is being urged to follow.