Latest news with #GinaCass-Gottlieb
7NEWS
5 days ago
- Business
- 7NEWS
Thermomix slapped with $80,000 penalty for allegedly claiming products were NDIS approved
Thermomix Australia has paid $79,200 in penalties over alleged claims that its products were endorsed by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It allegedly made the false or misleading advertising claims on its website about one of its all-in-one appliances, and a cordless vacuum and mop. But no singular product can be approved for the varying needs of all NDIS participants, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said. The company claimed the products were 'NDIS approved', 'NDIS-registered', 'NDIS-consumables', 'NDIS assistive technology', and 'NDIS equipment', the watchdog alleged. Vorwerk Australia Pty Ltd, which trades as Thermomix, was given four infringement notices for the alleged breaches in November 2024 and March 2025. 'The NDIS does not provide specific approval for any particular goods or services,' ACCC chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said. 'Each NDIS participant has unique needs, and what's funded under their plan is determined individually, not through a list of approved products. 'There are no categories of goods or services which are automatically NDIS approved or funded for all NDIS participants. 'Misleading consumers experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage is of concern to us, and we will not hesitate to take appropriate action.' Thermomix is not the only company to be slapped with penalties over the advertising misstep. Bedding retailer Bedshed Franchising allegedly made NDIS-related claims about some of its mattresses, furniture and bedding accessories. The company paid $39,600 after claiming its products had been evaluated or approved by the NDIS. 'Your advertising must reflect the facts,' Cass-Gottlieb said last week. The Australian Government's NDIS Taskforce was established in 2023 to address potential breaches of the country's consumer law where NDIS participants may be targeted.
9 News
5 days ago
- Business
- 9 News
Thermomix pays $80,000 fine for 'misleading consumers' over NDIS claims
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here A kitchen appliance company paid $79,200 in fines over allegations two of its products were falsely labelled as NDIS-approved. Vorwerk Australia, trading as Thermomix, was hit with four infringement notices by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for allegedly making false of misleading representations to customers online. The competition watchdog has alleged Thermomix falsely promoted the Thermomix TM6 cooking product and Kobold cordless vacuum and mop as being endorsed through the NDIS or registered by an entity administering the NDIS. A spokesperson for parent company Vorwerk Australia said the organisation "would never intentionally or knowingly mislead any consumers". The ACCC has alleged Thermomix promoted its TM6 cooking product as being endorsed through the NDIS or registered by an entity administering the NDIS. (Thermomix) The watchdog claims this allegedly describing the products as NDIS approved, NDIS-registered product, NDIS-consumables, NDIS assistive technology and NDIS equipment. ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said misleading consumers experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage was concerning. "We will not hesitate to take appropriate action," Cass-Gottlieb said. "The NDIS does not provide specific approval for any particular goods or services." The ACCC said the payment of the penalty is not an admission of contravention of Australian consumer law. A spokesperson for parent company Vorwerk Australia said: "We have not hesitated to take appropriate action to remedy all instances of concern raised by the ACCC," the spokesperson said. "While some of the website references pre-date the acquisition of The Mix Australia Pty Ltd, we take full responsibility for communicating with all our customers in a clear and compliant manner." The spokesperson said in November 2024, Vorwerk International & Co. KmG completed an acquisition of The Mix Australia Pty Ltd. After the acquisition, The Mix Australia Pty Ltd was renamed as Vorwerk Australia Pty Ltd. national Australia Consumer disability CONTACT US Property News: He was evicted. Then he saw his home on Airbnb.
West Australian
6 days ago
- Business
- West Australian
Thermomix cops $70k fine after making ‘misleading' NDIS approval claims
The company behind all-in-one blender Thermomix has copped a $79,000 fine for allegedly claiming its products were endorsed by the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Vorwerk is the second company in a week to be hit with infringement notices from the consumer watchdog, alleging Thermomix falsely promoted its TM6 cooking product and Kobold cordless vacuum and mop as being endorsed through the NDIS or registered by an entity administering the NDIS. This included allegedly describing the products as 'NDIS approved', 'NDIS-registered product', 'NDIS-consumables', 'NDIS assistive technology' and 'NDIS equipment''. Australian Competition and Consumer Commission chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said the NDIS did not provide specific approval for any particular goods or services. 'Each NDIS participant has unique needs, and what's funded under their plan is determined individually, not through a list of approved products,' she said. 'There are no categories of goods or services which are automatically NDIS approved or funded for all NDIS participants.' Ms Cass-Gottlieb warned it would not hesitate to take appropriate action against companies that misled consumers experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage. Thermomix has been contacted for comment. The ACCC last November put businesses on notice of its focus on problematic advertising practices targeting NDIS participants. Since then, it has taken compliance and enforcement action against a number of businesses. WA bedding and mattress retailer Bedshed was last week slapped with a $40,000 fine for allegedly making similar false statements its mattresses, furniture and bedding accessories were 'NDIS approved' or 'NDIS permitted'.
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Kitchen brand fined after labelling an appliance 'NDIS-approved'
The parent company behind kitchen brand Thermomix has been fined after allegedly labelling some of its appliances as "NDIS-approved" or "NDIS-assistive technology". The consumer watchdog alleges the company misled customers by suggesting two of its household appliances were endorsed by the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Vorwerk Australia Pty Ltd, which trades as Thermomix in Australia, has paid the $79,200 fine. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission alleges the company promoted the Thermomix TM6 cooking appliance and the Kobold cordless vacuum and mop as being endorsed through the NDIS or registered by an entity administering the NDIS. However, the NDIS does not endorse or approve specific products. The brand allegedly used descriptions such as "NDIS-approved", "NDIS-registered product", "NDIS-consumables", "NDIS-assistive technology", and "NDIS equipment". The penalties were part of a crackdown on businesses making false NDIS endorsements. Earlier in May, bedding retailer Bedshed paid $39,600 in penalties for allegedly marketing its products as NDIS approved or permitted. ACCC chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said the NDIS does not provide specific approvals for products or services. "Each NDIS participant has unique needs, and what's funded under their plan is determined individually, not through a list of approved products," she said. "There are no categories of goods or services which are automatically NDIS-approved or funded for all NDIS participants." She said the watchdog would not hesitate to take action if a business was found to be misleading vulnerable consumers. The ACCC, along with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and the National Disability Insurance Agency, established a taskforce in 2023 to address concerns that NDIS participants were being overcharged for products and services. MORE NEWS: It put businesses on notice in November 2024, saying it was cracking down on problematic advertising that targeted NDIS participants. In late 2024, the ACCC launched proceedings against registered NDIS provider Ausnew Home Care Service Pty Ltd, alleging it made false "NDIS-approved" statements about its aged care and disability products. The matter is before the courts. The watchdog is encouraging people to report businesses they believe have made false statements about products being NDIS-approved. The parent company behind kitchen brand Thermomix has been fined after allegedly labelling some of its appliances as "NDIS-approved" or "NDIS-assistive technology". The consumer watchdog alleges the company misled customers by suggesting two of its household appliances were endorsed by the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Vorwerk Australia Pty Ltd, which trades as Thermomix in Australia, has paid the $79,200 fine. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission alleges the company promoted the Thermomix TM6 cooking appliance and the Kobold cordless vacuum and mop as being endorsed through the NDIS or registered by an entity administering the NDIS. However, the NDIS does not endorse or approve specific products. The brand allegedly used descriptions such as "NDIS-approved", "NDIS-registered product", "NDIS-consumables", "NDIS-assistive technology", and "NDIS equipment". The penalties were part of a crackdown on businesses making false NDIS endorsements. Earlier in May, bedding retailer Bedshed paid $39,600 in penalties for allegedly marketing its products as NDIS approved or permitted. ACCC chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said the NDIS does not provide specific approvals for products or services. "Each NDIS participant has unique needs, and what's funded under their plan is determined individually, not through a list of approved products," she said. "There are no categories of goods or services which are automatically NDIS-approved or funded for all NDIS participants." She said the watchdog would not hesitate to take action if a business was found to be misleading vulnerable consumers. The ACCC, along with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and the National Disability Insurance Agency, established a taskforce in 2023 to address concerns that NDIS participants were being overcharged for products and services. MORE NEWS: It put businesses on notice in November 2024, saying it was cracking down on problematic advertising that targeted NDIS participants. In late 2024, the ACCC launched proceedings against registered NDIS provider Ausnew Home Care Service Pty Ltd, alleging it made false "NDIS-approved" statements about its aged care and disability products. The matter is before the courts. The watchdog is encouraging people to report businesses they believe have made false statements about products being NDIS-approved. The parent company behind kitchen brand Thermomix has been fined after allegedly labelling some of its appliances as "NDIS-approved" or "NDIS-assistive technology". The consumer watchdog alleges the company misled customers by suggesting two of its household appliances were endorsed by the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Vorwerk Australia Pty Ltd, which trades as Thermomix in Australia, has paid the $79,200 fine. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission alleges the company promoted the Thermomix TM6 cooking appliance and the Kobold cordless vacuum and mop as being endorsed through the NDIS or registered by an entity administering the NDIS. However, the NDIS does not endorse or approve specific products. The brand allegedly used descriptions such as "NDIS-approved", "NDIS-registered product", "NDIS-consumables", "NDIS-assistive technology", and "NDIS equipment". The penalties were part of a crackdown on businesses making false NDIS endorsements. Earlier in May, bedding retailer Bedshed paid $39,600 in penalties for allegedly marketing its products as NDIS approved or permitted. ACCC chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said the NDIS does not provide specific approvals for products or services. "Each NDIS participant has unique needs, and what's funded under their plan is determined individually, not through a list of approved products," she said. "There are no categories of goods or services which are automatically NDIS-approved or funded for all NDIS participants." She said the watchdog would not hesitate to take action if a business was found to be misleading vulnerable consumers. The ACCC, along with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and the National Disability Insurance Agency, established a taskforce in 2023 to address concerns that NDIS participants were being overcharged for products and services. MORE NEWS: It put businesses on notice in November 2024, saying it was cracking down on problematic advertising that targeted NDIS participants. In late 2024, the ACCC launched proceedings against registered NDIS provider Ausnew Home Care Service Pty Ltd, alleging it made false "NDIS-approved" statements about its aged care and disability products. The matter is before the courts. The watchdog is encouraging people to report businesses they believe have made false statements about products being NDIS-approved. The parent company behind kitchen brand Thermomix has been fined after allegedly labelling some of its appliances as "NDIS-approved" or "NDIS-assistive technology". The consumer watchdog alleges the company misled customers by suggesting two of its household appliances were endorsed by the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Vorwerk Australia Pty Ltd, which trades as Thermomix in Australia, has paid the $79,200 fine. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission alleges the company promoted the Thermomix TM6 cooking appliance and the Kobold cordless vacuum and mop as being endorsed through the NDIS or registered by an entity administering the NDIS. However, the NDIS does not endorse or approve specific products. The brand allegedly used descriptions such as "NDIS-approved", "NDIS-registered product", "NDIS-consumables", "NDIS-assistive technology", and "NDIS equipment". The penalties were part of a crackdown on businesses making false NDIS endorsements. Earlier in May, bedding retailer Bedshed paid $39,600 in penalties for allegedly marketing its products as NDIS approved or permitted. ACCC chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said the NDIS does not provide specific approvals for products or services. "Each NDIS participant has unique needs, and what's funded under their plan is determined individually, not through a list of approved products," she said. "There are no categories of goods or services which are automatically NDIS-approved or funded for all NDIS participants." She said the watchdog would not hesitate to take action if a business was found to be misleading vulnerable consumers. The ACCC, along with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and the National Disability Insurance Agency, established a taskforce in 2023 to address concerns that NDIS participants were being overcharged for products and services. MORE NEWS: It put businesses on notice in November 2024, saying it was cracking down on problematic advertising that targeted NDIS participants. In late 2024, the ACCC launched proceedings against registered NDIS provider Ausnew Home Care Service Pty Ltd, alleging it made false "NDIS-approved" statements about its aged care and disability products. The matter is before the courts. The watchdog is encouraging people to report businesses they believe have made false statements about products being NDIS-approved.
West Australian
6 days ago
- Business
- West Australian
Thermomix cops massive ACCC fine after ‘misleading' NDIS approval claims
A massive kitchenware company allegedly falsely claimed its products were 'NDIS approved' to drive sales but has copped a massive fine instead. Vorwerk Australia, trading as Thermomix in Australia, has been fined nearly $80,000 for allegedly falsely suggesting two of its household appliances were endorsed by the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Thermomix falsely promoted the Thermomix TM6 cooking product and Kobold cordless vacuum and mop as being endorsed through the NDIS or registered by an entity administering the NDIS, the ACCC alleges. The Thermomix website in November last year and March this year allegedly described the two products as 'NDIS approved', 'NDIS-registered product', 'NDIS-consumables', 'NDIS assistive technology' and 'NDIS equipment'. However, the NDIS does not approve goods, according to ACCC chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb. 'The NDIS does not provide specific approval for any particular goods or services. Each NDIS participant has unique needs, and what's funded under their plan is determined individually, not through a list of approved products,' she said. 'There are no categories of goods or services which are automatically NDIS approved or funded for all NDIS participants. 'Misleading consumers experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage is of concern to us, and we will not hesitate to take appropriate action.' The ACCC put businesses on notice of problematic advertising targeting NDIS participants in November 2023. Just last week, bedding retailer Bedshed was fined nearly $40,000 for allegedly making similar false statements that some of its products were 'NDIS approved'.
