When government money comes pouring into the private sector, businesses of dubious character tend to spring up quickly.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) may be one of the biggest facilitators of this at the moment.

As of mid-December, there were 269,432 active NDIS providers across Australia, the vast majority of which (around 94%) are what’s known as unregistered providers. It means they haven’t been audited and approved by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission) – one of the main regulators – to make sure they’re delivering quality services and sticking to the rules.

Though there are limits on the types of support they can provide, these businesses have comparatively low start-up costs and can enter the market quickly. In some parts of Australia, unregistered NDIS providers seem to be everywhere, and many are exploiting the sprawling system. Between 2018 and 2024, the number of NDIS participants grew by 452%.

The NDIS currently serves around 761,000 adults and children, and it cost around $49 billion in taxpayer dollars in 2025. Those costs have been predicted by some analysts to rise to $100 billion a year by 2035, overtaking the age pension to become Australia’s most expensive social support program.

The NDIS has been an indispensable life-changer for many, but the scheme remains a work in progress, and it has fallen short of expectations on a number of fronts, especially when it comes to meeting the needs of marginalised groups such as First Nations people and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

A recurring complaint from participants overall is that the NDIS administrative processes are complicated and confusing. The bureaucratic hurdles are many.

It’s also important to point out that nearly half of NDIS providers suffered a financial loss in 2024–25 according to National Disability Services, the peak industry body for non-government disability service organisations.

But there’s a larger overarching issue – that many NDIS providers are more focused on reaping profits from the government-subsidised scheme than on helping people with a disability. This unfortunate fact is contributing heavily to the cost blowouts.

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and the NDIS Commission have prime responsibility for regulating the scheme. (The NDIS Commission received 29,054 complaints about providers in 2023–24.)

But NDIS providers are also beholden to the Australian Consumer Law, which is overseen by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

The dodgy provider problem is big enough that these three regulators set up a task force in December 2023 to deal with it. In February this year, the ACCC released a report outlining some of the enforcement actions it has taken since then. The transgressions it highlights are standard fare in the broader consumer marketplace – false advertising, overcharging, contracts lopsided in favour of the business, illegal restrictions on returns, and so on.

But when people with a disability are the victims, it gets more concerning.  

Ausnew’s dodgy sales tactics and misleading claims

Shortly after the task force was set up, an NDIS provider called Ausnew Home Care Service came under scrutiny for engaging in tactics reminiscent of the big supermarkets and unscrupulous online retailers. (Ausnew, a registered provider, sells everything from therapeutic pillows to mobility scooters.)

In December 2024 the ACCC took the business to court for allegedly promoting “sales” prices by displaying earlier strikethrough prices complete with “last chance” sales banners and countdown clocks. In fact, the “sales” prices were just the regular prices that were always available, and the strikethrough prices never existed. The ACCC is currently undertaking legal action against both Woolworths and Coles for similar conduct.

Then ACCC Commissioner Liza Carver said that the “artificial urgency” would have misled consumers, “many of whom were elderly or with a disability requiring support”.

Ausnew Home Care Service was also called out for claiming its products were “NDIS approved” on its website and in Google ads, a marketing boast that seems particularly irresistible to certain providers. The problem is that there is no such thing as an NDIS-approved product. The NDIS Commission registers providers, but it doesn’t endorse or approve of particular products.

The way this plays out for NDIS recipients is that they may end up purchasing something – a massage chair for instance – that says or implies it’s NDIS-approved. Then their NDIS claim for reimbursement is rejected because it’s not an eligible support item.

To round out its contraventions of consumer law, Ausnew also made up its own rules about consumer guarantees. Its refund policy imposed various conditions and exclusions on refunds or replacements for faulty goods, including that they had to be returned within seven days of purchase in their original packaging, and that it was up to Ausnew whether to provide a store credit or replacement. According to the law, consumers can demand a repair, replacement or refund in the case of a major fault, with no conditions attached. The Ausnew case is ongoing.

In all of the above, Ausnew is not alone. But the business did manage to tick several non-compliance boxes at once.

False claims of NDIS affiliation

A business claiming a connection with the NDIS when there is none is perhaps the most common form of consumer deception arising from the scheme. Early last year, the retail chain Bedshed paid $39,600 in penalties after the ACCC issued it with two infringement notices for claiming that some of its mattresses, furniture and bedding accessories were “NDIS approved” and “NDIS permitted”.

“Targeting consumers experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage with misleading advertising is particularly concerning, and we are continuing to investigate companies making similar claims,” ACCC chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said at the time.

Around the same time, Thermomix Australia paid $79,200 in ACCC penalties for claiming its Thermomix TM6 mix and Kobold cordless vacuum and mop were connected with the NDIS.

The misleading promotional language ran the gamut: “NDIS approved”, “NDIS-registered product”, “NDIS-consumables”, “NDIS assistive technology”, and “NDIS equipment”.

“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,” Cass-Gottlieb said.

The NDIS Commission was recently given new powers to combat fraud, most notably an enforcement tool called Anti-Promotion Orders, which can be imposed on providers who misleadingly promote products as “NDIS approved”.

When the ACCC report was released in February this year, ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe sounded a warning to businesses set on putting profits ahead of the needs of people with a disability.

“Harm can range from financial loss and life-limiting impacts, to compromising the safety and physical wellbeing of NDIS participants. Such conduct is completely unacceptable and the ACCC will continue to work with taskforce agencies to protect NDIS participants, educate and hold providers that continue to do the wrong thing accountable.”

How to spot false NDIS advertising

• If it says “NDIS approved” it’s misleading by definition – the NDIS doesn’t approve particular goods or services.
• Don’t trust ads that say NDIS funds will cover “all inclusive” holidays. NDIS funding doesn’t cover costs for participants on holidays. 
• Ads that provide instructions on how to use NDIS funding codes for recreational outings like the movies or theme parks are misleading – the scheme doesn’t cover this.
• Don’t trust businesses that suggest an NDIS affiliation or endorsement in their name, such as “NDIS therapies” and the like.

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The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has announced it has commenced consultation on a list of proposed reforms to the way that sunscreen is regulated, manufactured and tested in Australia.

����Vlog Director of Campaigns Andy Kelly says: “����Vlog welcomes the TGA’s announcement today that it has opened consultation on a number of proposed changes to how sunscreen is regulated in Australia.

“Sunscreen regulation has been top of mind for the Australian public since ����Vlog raised the alarm last year on test results revealing that 16 of 20 sunscreens failed to meet their SPF claims, including one product with an SPF of only 4.”

Kelly says that proposals to improve and expand testing requirements, require accreditation for testing laboratories, and increase transparency will help restore consumer trust in the reliability of SPF claims.

“While there are some options we don’t support, such as replacing the current SPF numbering system, we commend the TGA for acting,” adds Kelly.

Proposed changes to sunscreen regulation in Australia

The TGA consultation paper proposes a number of options to provide the following improvements to the current regulatory framework:

• Improve reliability and transparency of sun protection factor (SPF) testing.
• Enable new testing technologies to be adopted in a more timely manner.
• Strengthen oversight of testing laboratories.
• Enhance lifecycle quality assurance (e.g. periodic testing and ingredient standards).
• Simplify and clarify SPF labelling.
• Provide greater consistency with the indications that therapeutic and cosmetic sunscreens can make.
• Update Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidance to improve manufacturing quality.

����Vlog investigation revealed need for stronger regulation

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The Banking Code of Practice confers a duty on banks to be on the lookout for signs of financial elder abuse, which is a major problem in Australia. Most of the perpetrators are the grown children of the victims.

When a child of an elderly person asks them to act as guarantor for a loan and legal advice is not obtained, for instance, the code requires that the guarantee document is signed by the parent without the child present. The guarantor is also asked to consider what they’re getting into for three days before the agreement is finalised.

The Australian Banking Association (ABA) – the peak industry body representing banks – writes and publishes the code and has also instructed its members that they have a critical role to play in preventing financial abuse through power of attorney arrangements, where children take control of their parent’s financial assets. These legal instruments are all too easily weaponised against the parents who sign off on them.

But the problem with the Banking Code of Practice is that it’s strictly voluntary. The ABA encourages members – which includes all major banks and most smaller ones – to follow it. But there is no real punishment for those that don’t.

Elder financial abuse costing billions

Financial elder abuse can range from using a parent’s credit card for personal expenses to taking control of their home through psychological coercion, with many other examples in between.

The most common form is when the perpetrator (usually the victim’s child) pressures the older person into loaning them or giving them money or into signing over a home or other significant asset.

Another form of financial abuse might be when an adult child doesn’t honour an agreement to contribute to rent, food or aged care expenses.

According to a 2021 study conducted by the federal government’s Australian Institute of Family Studies, men and women over 65 experience financial abuse in roughly equal measure. It affects about 2% of this age group. The study found that this translated to between 67,500 and 100,100 senior Australians having experienced some form of financial abuse in the six months prior to the reporting period.

A large-scale 2024 Parliamentary inquiry into financial elder abuse found that banks should be on the forefront of preventing it. Its final report estimated that the social and financial costs run to several billion dollars every year.

And financial elder abuse is a growing problem. The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics numbers indicate there were 4.4 million Australians aged 65 or older as of 2022, a number that’s expected to more than double by mid-century.

In June 2024, Australia’s Age Discrimination Commissioner, Robert Fitzgerald, warned that lawmakers should take a fresh look at power of attorney arrangements.

“With the largest intergenerational wealth transfer in Australia expected to take place in the coming decades, urgent reform to enduring power of attorney laws is needed to prevent the financial abuse of older persons and make it easier for people to be educated about their rights and responsibilities under these documents,” Fitzgerald said.

Poor code compliance

The Banking Code of Practice may be voluntary, but once a bank signs up to it, they’re technically – but not legally – obligated to comply. The lack of legal enforcement is a critical factor. In February this year, the body tasked with making sure banks follow the code – the Banking Code Compliance Committee (BCCC) – reported that only 23 of 88 banks it reviewed have adequate information about financial elder abuse online or a dedicated webpage.

“Financial elder abuse frequently occurs out of sight, and many cases go unreported because people may feel ashamed, fearful, or may not even realise it is happening,” says BCCC chair Ian Govey.

“Clear, accessible information on the issue matters. It can help customers, carers, and the wider community understand risks, recognise concerns, and know where to seek help.”

The Customer Owned Banking Code Compliance Committee (COBCCC) also took part in the review, since its code of practice also calls for banks to be vigilant for signs of abuse.

Chair Danielle Press says financial elder abuse “is complex, and older Australians deserve meaningful protections that uphold their dignity and rights”. She also called for information and guidance to be “supported by robust internal systems, staff training, and procedures that enable banks to actively identify, prevent and respond to abuse”.

No banks named and shamed

But neither committee recommended banks be held accountable following the report. Instead, they “encouraged all banks to reflect on their current practices and consider ways to strengthen the protection and support they offer to older customers experiencing vulnerability”.

The BCCC doesn’t have the power to issue fines, but will call banks out publicly for serious breaches of the code and issue formal warnings.  Such ‘sanctions’, however, probably go unnoticed by most bank customers, unless they’re in the habit of reading BCCC announcements.

In July 2024, for instance, the BCCC sanctioned ANZ Bank for continuing to charge fees to people who had died, and for being aware of the issue but not taking action to stop it for a year.

In January 2025, it named and shamed Bank of Queensland for also overlooking the fact that the accounts they were charging fees to belonged to people who were no longer alive.

The 65 banks that lacked adequate information and guidance on how to spot and deal with financial elder abuse were not named in the BCCC report.

Abuse enabled by online banking

National Seniors Australia CEO Chris Grice tells ����Vlog that the transition to digital banking has made financial elder abuse easier to perpetrate.

“As the institutions where financial elder abuse can happen within their doors, banks do have a responsibility to help prevent elder abuse, though this doesn’t fall on their shoulders entirely,” Grice says.

“Financial elder abuse can also happen within people’s own homes and residential aged care settings, for example. This is one of the concerns with the loss of face-to-face banking services due to branch closures or the transition to ‘tellerless branches’ with only concierges to direct customers to ATMs.”

“Bank tellers are trained – and do an excellent job under challenging circumstances – to recognise signs of financial elder abuse, such as coerced signatures on loans. These signs are hard to identify online.”

CEO of the advocacy organisation Council on the Ageing Patricia Sparrow says “financial abuse is one of the most common and damaging forms that elder abuse can take. And while not limited to older people, we know it affects millions of Australians and costs the economy $11 billion a year. That scale alone is enough to drive stronger preventative action”.

“Banks and financial institutions have a clear responsibility to help stop this harm before it happens by identifying suspicious activity, responding to unauthorised transactions, strengthening account security and ensuring safe and independent access for older people to manage their money,” Sparrow says.

The personal and familial nature of financial elder abuse – the third most common form behind psychological abuse and neglect – makes it a particularly hurtful crime, says Chris Grice.

“As opposed to scams that are committed by strangers, financial abuse often involves a person in a position of trust coercing or forcing an older person to sign over assets or to change a will or power of attorney, stealing money or taking credit cards,” Grice says.

“Older people fall victim because they don’t expect a loved one to take advantage of them, can’t stop it, or are too embarrassed to seek help. It’s incredibly sad and financial loss in later life is particularly devastating.”

The post Banks not doing their part to stop financial elder abuse appeared first on ����Vlog.

But there’s a big problem that has nothing to do with human health: the law currently allows Australian life insurance companies to access genetic test results and take them into account when setting premiums.

Even though a worrisome result generally just means that you’re at a higher risk for a certain disease, life insurance companies will price your premiums as if you’re definitely going to get that disease, or summarily decide not to insure you. And if you pay those inflated premiums for your policy your whole life and end up dying of something else, they won’t be reimbursing the extra premiums to your survivors.

Health professionals have a duty to warn patients about the possible life insurance implications of taking these tests, and the consent forms also carry such warnings.

As a result, many people steer clear of genetic testing, and thereby run the risk of developing a life threatening disease that may have been caught early or prevented.

Use of genetic test results by insurers to be banned

All this is set to change, and it has been a long time coming. In 2018, a Joint Parliamentary Committee Inquiry recommended that Australia immediately ban the use of genetic test results in life insurance, a rule that’s been in effect (with some exceptions) in the UK since 2001.

The practice is also banned in Canada as well as many European countries. In the US, health insurers and employers are prohibited from using genetic information as part of the underwriting or hiring process. 

In November this year, the federal government introduced legislation that would ban the use of genetic test results by life insurers in Australia once and for all. It’s expected to come into effect in mid 2026.

In a statement, Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino said the bill “supports medical practitioners to prevent, diagnose, treat and monitor a range of cancers, cancer predisposition syndromes and other heritable conditions”.

He added: “Some people aren’t getting tested because they’re concerned about the impacts of the results of those tests on the affordability and accessibility of life insurance”.

The bill “has broad support across the Parliament”, Mulino said.

Industry self-regulation proved ineffective

The November announcement was the culmination of years of advocacy work by health professionals and other consumer advocates, who faced stiff headwinds from the insurance industry.

There were half-measures along the way. In 2019, the then peak body for the Australian life insurance industry, the Financial Services Council (FSC), forged a compromise, requiring people who applied for life insurance to disclose genetic test results only if the policies had death or permanent disability benefits of more than $500,000. 

But this measure was entirely self-governing. No government agency was checking to see if insurers were following it. (A new peak body, the Council of Australian Life Insurers, was established in 2022.) 

In 2020, the federal government funded a project (called the A-GLIMMER project) to investigate whether this industry self-regulation was working. The final report of the project, published in June 2023, makes clear that the FSC partial ban was far from effective at putting a stop to genetic discrimination in life insurance.

The three-year investigation uncovered several troubling facts, chief among them that some life insurers were ignoring the industry-led partial ban (technically a moratorium) and that the lack of independent oversight meant that no one really knew how widespread the non-compliance was.

The lead investigator on the A-GLIMMER project, Dr Jane Tiller – an ethical, legal and social adviser in public health genomics at Monash University – has long been convinced that a total ban on life insurers’ access to genetic test results is the only answer. 

Health professionals and patients whose views were sought as part of the investigation overwhelmingly agreed.

“Many Australians have been afraid to have genetic testing that could save their lives, because of the potential financial implications of their genetic test results,” Tiller says.

“Life insurers can still legally use genetic test results to deny coverage, increase the cost of premiums or place conditions on cover. This means people are making decisions about genetic testing based on insurance fears, not health needs.”

“Choosing not to have genetic testing means people could miss out on critical health information and access to early intervention or prevention, which can be life-saving.”

Years of industry pushback

Tiller, who has been campaigning against the use of genetic test results by Australian life insurance companies for the past ten years, says the prolonged pushback by insurers in Australia followed a well established pattern.

“Every time a new country embarks on this process, the local industry fights vigorously against it,” Tiller says.

“We certainly faced a lot of opposition in the early days, with the industry very strongly saying that this would have catastrophic implications, that it would impact consumers in bad ways because premiums would rise, that the life insurance industry would be unsustainable. These claims were made in other countries as well. So for the first several years, it was very hard to get any traction.”

The A-GLIMMER investigation put a fine point on what happens when profit motives get mixed up with medicine.

“In our research, we found two things,” Tiller says. “One is that people don’t trust insurance companies, and that’s very clear. People don’t trust them to use their data when that data is of benefit to the life insurer.”

“And we heard reports of multiple insurers not complying with even their own moratorium [on using genetic test results for policies with death benefits of $500,000 or less]. Brokers were telling us that the life insurers they worked with were very happily using whatever mechanism they could to get around that and not comply.”

The effect on patient outcomes

Designing a study to measure the effect of avoiding genetic testing on long-term patient outcomes would be difficult at best, but Tiller says the substantial anecdotal evidence gathered through the A-GLIMMER project suggests people who avoid such tests face higher health risks.

The data on test avoidance itself is clearer.

“We know that there are many people who go to a genetic counselling appointment, are told about the insurance implications, and decide not to have testing. And we know that lots of people say they would never have genetic testing because of the insurance issue,” Tiller says. 

She recounts a story recently told to her by a clinical geneticist of a patient who came in for genetic testing for a BRCA variant (which would indicate a seven-in-ten risk of breast cancer).

“She said, ‘I’m going to go away and think about it. I’m worried about this insurance issue’. When she came back a year later, it was because she’d been diagnosed with breast cancer. These kinds of stories happen all the time, and I’ve heard many of them.”

“I can only imagine the number of stories that I haven’t personally come across. They are discussed incessantly in community groups, in advocacy, organisations, in research. There’s a constant conversation about having to tell people about the life insurance issue and the fact that they go away and don’t come back.”

Tiller is co-leader of a study called DNA Screen at Monash University, which aims to increase the uptake of genetic testing. For one project, 10,000 young people were tested for the risk of preventable cancer and heart disease.

“There is huge community interest in this kind of actionable genetic information,” Tiller says. “But lots of people dropped out along the way. And when we surveyed them, more than half said the reason they decided to drop out was because they learned about the insurance issue.”

“So we know it’s the biggest barrier and the biggest reason people don’t participate. And we know that this will eventually lead to high rates of cancer, of heart disease, and of other conditions that may have been prevented or treated earlier.”

Law won’t be retroactive

The new law – should it pass – will be written into the Insurance Contracts Act, which is enforced by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. It will also dictate an amendment to the Disability Discrimination Act, giving people the right to file a civil suit if it’s contravened.

Applying it to existing insurance contracts would have been the ideal outcome, but Tiller acknowledges there are tricky legal issues involved in applying new conditions to old contracts. 

“It will only apply going forward to people who take out new insurance policies,” she says. “It won’t apply to people who have current policies that are discriminatory. And that’s something that we’ve always been concerned about. What about that group of people that won’t be helped?”

Some genetic test results mean not just that you’re at higher risk but that you’re certain to develop the disease, such as those that reveal the gene variations linked to Huntington’s Disease.

“But we’re talking here more about tests that show that someone has a future risk of disease,” Tiller says.

“People walking around with these genetic variations have them whether they have the test or not. And so if they go and get insurance without having a test, that’ll actually be underwritten at standard rates. But they would then be at a higher risk that they’re not addressing.”

“If they have the genetic test, they’re able to take preventive steps. But until this law comes into place, they would then be subject to pricing discrimination because they took that proactive step.” 

Tiller is confident that the bill will become law, and that a federal law is a lot better than relying on the industry to monitor itself.

“I think that the legislative framework is robust enough that it will ensure that most insurers change their practices. It is a total ban. And that was something that we weren’t sure we would get in the early days.”

“Will it be able to be enforced is the real question, and that is always a challenge. But I think the more robust the regulation is, the more of a deterrent it creates. This is leaps and bounds better than what existed before.”

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Now that we’re deep into the summer season, as a nation we must collectively confront that ever-present threat: the sun. 

And our sun is particularly potent. It’s estimated that two out of three Australians will have to reckon with skin cancer over their lifetime. Those are terrifying numbers, but thankfully we have a plan. A plan punctuated with a punchy five word slogan: Slip, slop, slap, seek and slide.

But recently the “slip, slop, slap” part of this equation has come under scrutiny. After ����Vlog sunscreen testing found that 16 out of 20 sunscreens we tested failed to match their SPF claims, over 20 mineral-based sunscreens have been removed from sale. The most common question we’ve heard at ����Vlog this year has been, “Can you trust sunscreens?”

We say yes. Any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen. But there are other ways to protect yourself, and sunscreen shouldn’t be your only line of defence. It should always be used in tandem with other forms of sun protection. Because of this, ����Vlog has undertaken testing that investigates other consumer products designed to protect Australians from the sun.

First we wrote a guide on sun shelters, now we’re investigating the products related to the “slide” part of the slogan: sunglasses. They’re worn by young and old and a single pair can cost up to hundreds of dollars – but are they giving our eyes the protection we think they are?

The testing

We set out to test the UV protection claims of a range of sunglasses from a variety of brands for both adults and children. We looked at glasses from designer brands such as Versace and Prada that cost hundreds of dollars, glasses from familiar surf brands such as Oakley and Ray-Ban, and budget options from Kmart, Big W and online marketplaces.

Using a specialist lab, ����Vlog tested 19 pairs of sunglasses to the Australian/New Zealand standard, which checks, among other things, the construction of the sunglasses, and their ability to filter UVA and UBV radiation. We also measured how much light is filtered out, made sure both lenses were identical and a host of other things.

We tested each pair of sunglasses according to the specific claims made on their packaging. All sunglasses sold in Australia must be tested and labelled according to the Australian/New Zealand standard AS/NZS 1067.1:2016. 

All sunglasses are ranked by the following categories.

• Lens category 0: Fashion spectacles
  These are not sunglasses and have a very low ability to reduce sun glare. They provide limited or no UV protection.
• Lens category 1: Fashion spectacles
  These are still not technically sunglasses, but provide limited sun glare reduction and some UV protection.
• Lens category 2: Sunglasses 
  These sunglasses provide a medium level of sun glare reduction and good UV protection.
• Lens category 3: Sunglasses 
  These sunglasses provide a high level of sun glare reduction and good level of UV protection.
• Lens category 4: Sunglasses
  These are special-purpose sunglasses that provide a very high level of sun glare reduction and good UV protection.

Most of the sunglasses we tested claimed to be in lens category 3, providing a high level of sun glare reduction and a good level of UV protection

The results

Often when we do testing like this, the news is bad. Thankfully, this is one of those occasions when the news is positive. Almost all of the sunglasses we looked at in this round of testing complied with the Australian Standard/New Zealand for their claimed category. A nice surprise after the issues discovered earlier in 2025 during our sunscreen testing. 

The products that didn’t meet their category requirements failed mostly based on labelling issues, not on the quality of the glasses themselves, and definitely not on their level of sun protection. Essentially, these glasses functioned correctly but had little to no labelling.

The sunglasses that failed on labelling issues were:

• Sojos Small Round Classic Polarized for Women Men Vintage Style
• Womens Fashion Red Brown Purple Frames Polarised Lens Wrap Style 
• Quay Australia Good Time Sunglasses 
• One for Men and Women 
• Babiators Original Aviators.

In addition to the labelling failures, the Sojos sunglasses we bought from Amazon also lacked the side shielding that’s mandatory for category 4 lenses. 

Responses from the brands

Amazon, Shein and eBay have since removed the sunglasses that failed our testing from their sites. 

We have yet to receive a response from Quay Australia or Babiators.

Why you should wear sunglasses

Repeated exposure to UV radiation can lead to a number of troubling eye conditions like cataracts, pterygiums (overgrowth of tissue from the white of the eye onto the cornea), solar keratopathy (cloudiness of the cornea), cancer of the conjunctiva, and skin cancer of the eyelids.

Sunglasses for kids are particularly important because of the cumulative nature of sun damage to the eyes. If you can, definitely encourage your kids to wear sunnies in their formative years. Children’s eyes are more susceptible to UV radiation, so the quicker you make this a habit the better.

Tips for buying sunglasses

• You don’t have to spend a fortune to protect your eyes. Our testing shows that even cheap sunglasses can provide good protection. 
• Don’t be fooled by a dark tint. Dark lenses don’t necessarily provide UV protection, although they can block some UV light. Ensure you check the lens category to ensure maximum protection against UV rays and glare. On the packaging or in the marketing material, this might be listed as a UV400 rating or the Australian/New Zealand Standard certification (category 2 or higher).
• Consider polarisation. If you spend a lot of time outdoors in high-glare situations, for example, driving, at the beach, boating or in the snow, polarised lenses might be helpful. They are usually more pricey, but they do help cut down on glare caused by sunlight reflecting off wet roads, snow, or water.
• Other lens coatings. Depending on where you buy your sunglasses, you may be able to add coatings such as scratch-resistant coatings, mirror coatings (to reduce lens reflection) or blue-light coating (to reduce how much blue light enters your eyes). Some retailers will allow you to add multiple coatings based on your specific needs, however these all come at an additional cost. Shop around to ensure you’re getting the best deal. 
• Comfort and fit. For both kids and adults, it’s important to choose a pair that is robust and fits the shape of your face well. Most sunglasses today are made with plastic (polymer) lenses as they are cheap, lightweight and durable. 

Can you get sunglasses on health insurance?

Many major health funds allow customers to claim prescription sunglasses on their health insurance if you have an Extras policy. It’s worth double checking your eligibility, but if your policy has optical benefits, you should be able get some money back on a pair of prescription sunglasses. 

It is worth noting, however, that a prescription is necessary to take advantage of this, meaning if you have perfect vision, you won’t be able to get subsidised  sunglasses through your health insurance.

But if you’re content with your regular prescription glasses and don’t need a new pair this year, using your optical extras benefit to buy prescription sunglasses instead can be a smart way to get more value out of your policy.

The post Are sunglasses meeting their UV protection claims? appeared first on ����Vlog.

On this page:

• Are expensive hair dryers worth it?
• Ionic, ceramic, tourmaline – what does it all mean?
• Does oil coating make a difference?
• Features to look for in a hair dryer
• How to identify a hair dryer that may not be safe
• Should you buy a cheap hair dryer online?
• Can hair dryers damage your hearing?
• When to replace your hair dryer

These days consumers have access to the formerly secret world of professional hair dryers, but they come with marketing terms like ‘ionic’ and ‘tourmaline’ that make them sound more like science experiments than hair-care tools. So what do you need to know to find the best dryer for you?

A good hair dryer will dry your hair quickly, while providing an effective range of temperature and airflow settings to help you create your desired style. If it’s not achieving this as a minimum, it’s just blowing hot air. 

Are expensive hair dryers worth it?

The main thing people expect hair dryers to do is dry hair fast, but it’s also important that a hair dryer is lightweight, easy to use and comfortable to hold. 

Then there are the various features and accessories. We’ve found concentrators are the most commonly used accessory, while the cool-shot function is the most commonly used feature.

So when it comes to buying a hair dryer, should you blow your cash on a high-end model, or will a cheap and cheerful one do?

Whether you want to invest in the $649 Dyson or get one for under $100, we recommend a range of models in our latest hair dryer reviews to suit your hair care regime and budget. 

Our testing shows price isn’t always an indicator of performance, with several models under $100 outperforming their costly counterparts.

Ionic, ceramic, tourmaline – what does it all mean?

Many hair dryers come with technologies that claim to provide a professional result, but is it all just hot air? Our tests didn’t indicate that these technologies improve hair dryer performance.

Ionic

Ionic technology claims to condition hair by using negatively charged ions, which are created by passing air over an electric current. It’s said to dry hair faster, retain moisture to keep hair healthy and smooth, and create less static to reduce frizz.

Ceramic

Ceramic technology is said to control the heat to provide even heat distribution and add shine while protecting hair from frizz and damage.

Tourmaline

This technology generates negative ions with the aim of speeding up drying while reducing static.

Does oil coating make a difference?

Some brands advertise various oil infusions, like shea oil, which supposedly add nutrients, help fight frizz, soften hair and more. Our tests didn’t uncover any evidence to support these claims but some models did leave a slight mark on the cloth used for our drying rate tests.

We also didn’t find any vessels that could contain the oil in these dryers. Instead, it’s likely that the manufacturers simply apply a coating to an element or grill, which isn’t likely to last very long or be able to be replenished.

Features to look for in a hair dryer

Manoeuvrability, size and weight: Have a hold of the hair dryer instore before you buy. Get a feel for how comfortable it is to hold and see if it’s well balanced.

Switches: These should be accessible, easy to operate and well-labelled. Sliding switches are set in the handle and can be hard to use if they’re stiff, lack grip or don’t stick out enough. Rocker switches require you to push the raised end down and can be easier to use, but can be activated accidentally.

Multiple heat and airflow settings: Separate settings for heat and air speed will give you more control. The highest settings are ideal to remove the moisture from your hair while the lower settings are best for styling.

Cool-shot setting: This provides a burst of cool air which is supposed to be good for setting a style in place.

Storage hook/loop: It’s a good idea to hang a dryer on the wall and away from wet bathroom surfaces.

Concentrator: This narrows and concentrates the airflow where you want it. It’s designed for spot-drying and controlled styling.

Diffuser/volumiser: Diffusers with short fingers are designed to dry curly hair by spreading the airflow to prevent frizz. Diffusers with longer fingers – sometimes called volumisers – are designed to add volume to all types of hair by directing heat to the roots.

Turbo: The turbo shot or boost feature increases airflow through the hair dryer to speed up drying.

How to identify a hair dryer that may not be safe

Household electrical appliances sold in Australia must display safety information and compliancy markings. Hair dryers must show:

• the manufacturer or vendor name and model or reference number on the product (AS/NZS 60335.1 clause 7.1)
• ���� (RCM) (AS/NZS 60335.2.23 clause 7.301)
• a risk of electrocution tag on the power lead (AS/NZS 60335.2.23 clause 7.301).

Safety tips for using a hair dryer

Hair dryers are one of the most common household items associated with electric shock, so it’s vital that we’re using them safely to prevent injury to ourselves and others.

• Make sure your hair dryer is in good working order.
• Don’t use it if the power cord is damaged.
• Where possible, avoid using your hair dryer in wet areas.
• If water comes in contact with your hair dryer, turn it off and unplug it immediately.
• When disconnecting your hair dryer, turn it off first at the switch, then pull out the plug.
• Make sure the power cord is not dangling from benches or in a child’s reach.

Should you buy a cheap hair dryer online?

There’s no shortage of overseas retailers selling inexpensive hair dryers online but the deals aren’t typically worth the risk. They often come from markets where safety regulations aren’t quite as robust and may be dangerous to use.

Online retailers selling products into Australia, such as Temu, need to follow the same electrical appliance safety rules as local retailers, but they often don’t. Compliancy markers can also be faked so just because a hair dryer looks safe doesn’t mean it is.

You won’t be breaking any laws if you choose to import a hair dryer as an individual. But with so many retailers selling certified models in Australia, it’s probably not worth the risk to your safety just to save a few bucks.

Our experience with Temu

We bought a hair dryer from online retail giant Temu for our test. Upon arrival, we found that it lacked the safety certifications and Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM). There was nothing on Temu’s website to suggest that the hair dryer was not cleared for sale and use in Australia, and we removed it from our test as a result.

An additional safety check also found that the hair dryer didn’t have any means of securing the power cable, such as a cable clamp. This is a requirement under Australian product safety standards.

Can hair dryers damage your hearing?

The constant drone of a hair dryer can get pretty annoying but it’s unlikely to damage your hearing. We say ‘unlikely’ because it’s still a possibility under certain circumstances.

Most of the hair dryers in our test pump out around 85 decibels (dBA) of noise at a distance of 15cm from your head. This is right on the cusp of safe noise levels, as anything louder does . Though 85dBa can cause damage, you need to be continuously exposed for at least eight hours, which probably won’t happen (even if your hair is very, very wet).

Though uncommon, some hair dryers do cross the 95dBA threshold, which can cause some damage after . This is some pretty extensive drying time for one person, but families or carers with more than one person to look after could be exposed for damaging durations if they’re drying everyone’s hair back to back.

When to replace your hair dryer

Some hair dryers can be your trusty hair care companion for years, but it’s important to know when to give up the fight and trade your hair dryer in for a shiny new model.

Most hair dryers nowadays have an inbuilt safety switch that will automatically cut the power if the hair dryer starts to overheat. Older hair dryers might not have this safety feature.

When your hair dryer is on, it sucks in the dirt and dust floating around in the air. Over time, this filter can become clogged and dirty and unable to suck in enough clean air to run the hair dryer effectively. This can cause the hair dryer to overheat and you may even notice a burning smell – a sign that it’s time to replace your hair dryer.

If your hair dryer is blowing extremely hot air, it could be doing more harm than good – another sign it’s time for a replacement.

Disposing of your old hair dryer responsibly

If you’ve decided it’s time to replace your hair dryer for a shiny new model, be sure to consider how you get rid of your old one. Recycling electronic waste (e-waste) keeps toxic metals away from landfill and allows many materials to be reused.

Check with your local council – many offer a free e-waste disposal service. is another service that collects and recycles salon waste. Partnering salons might extend this service to clients, allowing you to bring your old hair dryer in to be recycled.

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On this page:

• How do fitness trackers work?
• Fitness trackers vs smartwatches
• Types of fitness trackers
• Can fitness trackers accurately measure your heart rate?
• Fitness tracker subscriptions
• Other important features to look for
• How much do fitness trackers cost?

How do fitness trackers work?

Fitness trackers, bands and a number of smartwatches offer a large range of fitness logging functions depending on the model. They all count steps or distance travelled and save that information in an accompanying app. This data is presented in graphs so you can track your activity progress.

More expensive models have features like sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring (active and resting), calorie input logs and even support for some smartphone apps like Spotify. Meanwhile, the accompanying apps can get quite granular, with the ability to track different types of exercise including swimming, rowing and weightlifting.

The idea is that you have a constantly updating log of your activities whether that’s a simple morning walk or a full-blown fitness regime. A fitness tracker won’t make you exercise more, but it can motivate you to stick with your workout particularly when the data starts to show positive improvements.

Fitness trackers vs smartwatches

Most smartwatches have some fitness tracking tools these days and their performance often rivals the best bands in our tests. Plus, they also offer a lot of smartphone features including texting, making digital payments and calendar alerts.

They’re essentially a mini smartphone for your wrist so you can review some data and control some apps (such as music streaming) without having to pull your phone out. Some also support third-party fitness apps as an alternative to the default one.

However, they tend to be bigger, bulkier and a lot more expensive. The added features and large, vibrant screen can also decrease battery life and they can be pretty hard to navigate.

Do fitness trackers increase physical activity?

Fitness trackers can be an important part of your fitness routine. They won’t make you suddenly start working out more as soon as you put one on, but they can motivate you to exercise more often.

Most let you set goals and track your progress over weeks or months at a time, with feedback on your general health improvements. Fitness goals like ‘run for 20 minutes each day’ give you something to aim for, and these are much more motivating than a vague plan to ‘get fit’.

And never underestimate the power of a guilt trip. Some bands will remind you to exercise if they haven’t detected any activity that day, though this is usually an optional feature that can be turned off.

Types of fitness trackers

Fitness trackers fall into two broad camps – fitness trackers and smartwatches with fitness features. Early fitness trackers tended to be a band with a small screen that displayed basic information and while this design is still around, a couple of others have emerged.

Some companies make smartwatch-style fitness bands. These look like a smartwatch, with a square or circular face, but they only have fitness tracking tools. The larger screens can be a convenient alternative to the band as they can display more information for quick reference and they’re easier to interact with.

Hybrids hide smartwatch features under an analogue watch face with either a small screen that displays very basic information (e.g. step count) or no screen at all. They usually filter most, if not all, of the relevant fitness information through accompanying smartphone apps making them far less convenient to use during a workout.

These and other bands/watches are often marketed as ‘fashionable fitness bands’. They look like traditional watches or jewellery so you can track your health and exercise while looking stylish. These aren’t inherently worse, but they do lack the convenience of models with buttons or touchscreens.

Can fitness trackers accurately measure your heart rate?

Almost all fitness trackers come with a heart rate monitor that can measure active and resting beats per minute. Most will graph this info in their smartphone app so you can monitor your heart rate over time.

Active heart rate monitors need to be accurate as certain types of exercise, such as cardio or lifting weights, benefit from specific heart rate zones. These zones are in a 10% range which means inaccuracy readings above 5% aren’t acceptable. Not only can an inaccurate reading reduce the effectiveness of your workout, it can also be demotivating.

Can fitness trackers measure blood pressure?

Though there are some fitness trackers that claim to measure blood pressure, we don’t gather this information in our test as they’re not very common in Australia. Even so, an accurate blood pressure reading can be very important for some people, and everyone’s results will be different.

It seems unlikely that a jack-of-all-trades fitness band will do the same job as proper medical equipment, so we suggest speaking to your doctor to determine which device best matches your needs.

Can fitness trackers help you sleep?

A good night’s sleep is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, which is why many of the more recent fitness trackers and smartwatches include sleep tracking tools. These won’t help you sleep, but they can provide you with important data that you can use to improve sleep.

Information about your sleep cycles, restlessness at night and resting heart rate can show whether you’re a healthy sleeper or not. Many fitness trackers and their apps will take the data and either show you how your sleep is improving your health, or give you tips on how to improve sleep. 

These are rarely user specific and should only be treated as a guide. The good thing about sleep trackers though is you can take your data to your doctor for better advice.

Do all fitness trackers need a smartphone?

Fitness trackers need to be linked to an external device with the associated app installed and that’s almost always a smartphone. You may also be able to substitute your phone for a laptop or tablet, depending on the brand and available software.

Why is this? Fitness trackers gather all kinds of data during a workout which is moved (aka ‘dumped’) to your phone, laptop etc. Most bands will do this every minute or so if the phone is nearby, but you can also dump all the data in one go when you get back from a run, for example.

You may find some bands or watches that don’t need to dump data, but instead offer it as an additional function. The information they can display is usually very limited compared to what the app can do, so it’s always worth connecting them.

Some fitness trackers also give you the option to control apps on the phone if it’s connected and nearby. For example, if you’re jogging along and feel like listening to a particular song, you can flick through your playlists on the band/watch rather than having to get your phone out.

How to connect a fitness tracker to a phone

Fitness bands and smartwatches connect to your phone via Bluetooth. If you’re having trouble connecting, make sure the band/watch and your phone are in Bluetooth scanning mode, then look for it in the list of available devices in your smartphone’s settings. It should automatically connect once detected, but you can do it manually in the same device list too.

Some also require location settings, so turn those on before you set it up. Also, connect to a Wi-Fi network if you’re setting up a fitness band for the first time as you’ll need to download an app/software and possibly some firmware updates as well.

Fitness tracker subscriptions

Apple and FitBit offer paid subscription services called Apple Fitness+ and FitBit Premium. Subscribers get access to video workouts from professional trainers (updated weekly) as well as content and guidance tailored to your lifestyle and exercise regime.

FitBit Premium, for example, can provide personalised, pre-recorded workout routines called guided programs that are much more nuanced than the free default app. It also provides deeper insights into your fitness data, dieting tools and a digital personal trainer. Each service costs $14.99 per month but they offer discounts if you sign up for a year.

Using different fitness apps

A number of Android-based fitness bands and smartwatches support alternative, third-party fitness apps such as Runkeeper and MyFitnessPal. Similarly, some Android bands are compatible with Google Fit on your smartphone. The Apple Watch supports a few third-party fitness apps, but the range isn’t quite as extensive.

Zombies, Run! is a very popular example, which uses an audio-book Walking Dead-like narrative about surviving the zombie apocalypse to encourage you to run. The more you exercise the more chapters you unlock and it motivates you to keep moving by playing zombie sounds if you slow down. Stop entirely, and you become a meal.

If you want to give Google Fit a try, on your Android device. There, you’ll find out whether your fitness tracker works with Google Fit.

Other important features to look for

Alarm

Quite useful, especially if it’s a silent alarm that just buzzes on your wrist to wake you up without waking up anyone next to you. They can also be useful for runs and other situations.

Altimeter

Great for those who want to measure stairs or height changes. This can also be worthwhile from a running or walking perspective to measure the degree of effort made in exercise (rather than just the distance) without having to go back and adapt your routine via your smartphone or the band’s webpage. Most fitness bands and smartwatches measure this by assessing barometric pressure.

Battery life

This can be an important consideration, and most claim at least a few days’ use while others can last as long as a year thanks to replaceable batteries. Most have rechargeable batteries, which can be powered via USB.

Bluetooth

There are two main versions of Bluetooth available – Bluetooth 4 and Bluetooth 5. While 4 is much older than 5, most fitness trackers can get by just fine within its limitations. That’s why Bluetooth 4 is still around even though most modern trackers and smartwatches use Bluetooth 5.

For fitness trackers, each Bluetooth iteration has improved data transfer speeds, bandwidth and power consumption, which means the batteries will last longer. Bluetooth 5 also increased its wireless range so your phone can receive data from the band up to 120m away, compared to the 30m limit of 4.2.

There are other improvements to audio, latency, smart controls and simultaneous streams, but these only really concern smartwatch users, broadly speaking.

Calorie counter

This will usually show you how steps taken convert to calories lost. It generally measures in calories rather than kilojoules, which can make it difficult if you’re doing some on-the-fly grocery shopping, but there are some third-party apps you can use for automatic conversion through your smartphone.

Distance counter

This can be adapted for metric or imperial, and generally measures distance based on your steps. Some of the newer fitness bands do have a GPS function though, which can utilise this technology for more accurate distance measurement.

Food tracker

A food tracker that’s built into the smartphone app used by the fitness band means you can log your intake of food throughout the day as well. If you have the discipline to maintain this routine, you might find it useful to track the number of calories you’re taking in versus those you’re burning off. Native food trackers tend to be US-centric though, so it would be worth looking around at their third-party apps.

Milestones

Milestones act as rewards and are an incentive to keep going when you get a notification that you’ve passed 10,000 steps, or that another milestone over the life of wearing the fitness band has passed.

Session tracker

This means you can trigger an activity or event such as a run or a cycle and note it as such via the tracker, rather than having to do it later by logging it manually. This means it can more accurately assess the number of calories you’ve burned in this period.

Social media sharing

An important feature for some, as it can act as an incentive to let your friends or family know that you’ve passed a milestone. It can also add a competitive element for some that acts as an extra incentive. The big social media platforms are generally covered, but some fitness trackers don’t have this feature at all.

Step counter

This measures your steps, but accuracy will vary depending on what you put in as your height, weight and, in some cases, pace length, plus the technology used in the device.

Waterproof claims

These vary between models. Any that do claim this feature usually have the specifications on their website, but they range from splash-proof through to swimming and 50m depth.

How much do fitness trackers cost?

The fitness trackers and smartwatches in our most recent test range from $149 up to $1399. And while you don’t have to spend top dollar to get a good one (some of the most expensive models aren’t ones we recommend), a good fitness tracker will generally set you back $150–400. Smartwatches also tend to cost more than fitness trackers.

How to get rid of your old fitness tracker

Donate it

Most Salvos and some Vinnies stores will take your old fitness tracker and/or smartwatch but The Red Cross doesn’t accept electronics. Smaller local charities and community support services in your area will probably accept them too as they’re pretty popular items.

Just make sure that your devices are in good working order before donating them. Batteries in particular can lose a lot of capacity or completely die if they’ve gone unused for some time so remember to check the charge. If the tracker uses a charging cradle or plate (instead of a micro/USB-C input), you’ll need to find and donate that as well. Without it, the band is basically useless.

Recycle it

Fitness trackers sort of fall into the e-waste category but many recycling services don’t specify whether they take them or not. This gets even more complicated when you factor in smartwatch style fitness trackers that aren’t strictly smartwatches.

is the first port of call. Check the Electrical Appliances and Mobile Phones databases for e-cycling services in your area then get in touch to see if they’ll take fitness trackers. You can also contact your local council as most have free, regular electronic recycling events similar to a council clean-up.

JB Hi-Fi and The Good Guys will also recycle your old fitness trackers via a partnership with Ecoactive. All you need to do is head to the , enter your details and the items you’d like to recycle, and a staff member will get in touch. will accept old fitness trackers and smartwatches too.

Some of the bigger manufacturers will recycle their old and broken products and they may even pay you for them. Apple, for example, will give you credit for your or recycle it for free if it isn’t eligible for trade-in. Contact the manufacturer of your fitness tracker/smartwatch to see if they have a similar program in place.

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Three batches of Cancer Council Sunscreen Clear Zinc Kids SPF50+ (110g) were recalled this week due to the potential for the product to become separated.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) says: “The product may appear to have an uneven texture and visible water separating out of the product. If this happens, the ingredients are no longer properly mixed.

“If the product is separated, it will be more difficult to spread evenly on skin, and could reduce the overall performance of the product. This could affect the SPF of the sunscreen and may cause inadequate sun protection.”

In June, ����Vlog flagged this same product as one that did not meet its SPF claims in our testing. We revealed that 16 out of 20 sunscreens failed to meet their SPF claims. In our testing, the Cancer Council Sunscreen Clear Zinc Kids 50+ returned an SPF of 33 rather than 50+.

The TGA says this latest recall is unrelated to the ongoing investigation into SPF testing that it initiated after the ����Vlog report and which has resulted in the recall of other sunscreen products. 

In a statement on its website, the Cancer Council said: “We have identified that three batches of one of our products, Cancer Council Clear Zinc Kids SPF50+ 110g, do not meet our quality standards and are initiating a product recall to ensure customers continue to receive the level of quality they expect from us.”

No other Cancer Council products have been affected.

“Consumers should be able to trust the claims made by sunscreen suppliers. Particularly as we move into the hottest part of the year, it’s good to see products with issues recalled, ” says Andy Kelly, director of campaigns and communication at ����Vlog.

Which products are affected?

Cancer Council Clear Zinc Kids SPF50+ 110g (AUST L: 430534, Barcode 9321299800661)

Batch 1141313 – Expiry: June 2027

Batch 1143730 – Expiry: August 2027

Batch 1146857 – Expiry: November 2026

What should I do if I have this sunscreen?

If you have one of the above batches of the product, do not use it. Return the product to the place of purchase, or contact info@vitalitybrands.com or call 1300 364 515 to arrange the return of the product for a replacement or refund.

Other recalled sunscreens

The first sunscreen to be recalled following the independent ����Vlog review in June 2025 was Ultra Violette Lean Screen SPF 50+, after the product returned an SPF of 4 in our testing.

The TGA has since issued s that share the same base formulation as Ultra Violette Lean Screen.

Advice for choosing and wearing sunscreen

How do I know which sunscreens to buy?

The most important thing to remember when choosing a sunscreen is that it shouldn’t be your only line of defence against the sun. Seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, a broad-rimmed hat and sunglasses and using an SPF50 or SPF50+, broad-spectrum and water-resistant sunscreen, particularly when the UV rating is 3 and above, are all vital. 

It’s also important to ensure you’re applying enough sunscreen (you’ll need 35mL or around seven teaspoons for full-body coverage) and reapplying every two hours, and immediately after swimming, sweating or towel-drying.

You can view the results of our sunscreen testing to ensure you’re buying a product that meets its SPF claims.

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Or perhaps you’re not planning on changing your lounge lizard ways but you want to buy a nice gift for the gym bunny in your life. 

Either way, these fitness trackers can be safely removed from your shortlist. They’re the lowest scorers in our test of 38 models on the market.

“Ease of use, comfort and distance accuracy are key components of our test and some of these devices stumbled when it comes to comfort, while others have some annoying quirks that turned our testers off” says ����Vlog tech expert Peter Zaluzny. 

“Some otherwise decent fitness bands or smartwatches have been let down by poor performance in some important areas.”

The lowest scoring fitness trackers in our tests

If you want to track your progress or you’re planning to buy a fitness band as a gift, step away from these four products. The ����Vlog Expert Ratings for these models aren’t bad, but they’re not exactly great either when you consider that a number of the top performers cost the same or even less than these.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular, 49mm Black Titanium Case with Dark Green Alpine Loop – Medium

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 77%
• Distance accuracy score: 99%
• Price: $1399

This Apple watch is a serious piece of kit, but it scored the lowest of any product we tested.

Why?

Because our ����Vlog testing focuses on its use for the average fitness freak, not a serious diver or triathlete. While it boasts some fancy features that might be handy for serious enthusiasts or semi professionals (like the ability to function a whopping 100 metres underwater), it really isn’t a good option for the average person looking to stay fit with an easy-to-use, comfortable device.It achieved impressive results in our technical tests, with near-perfect results for distance accuracy and pace count, and it has features like fall detection, built-in GPS and the ability to receive phone notifications, reply to texts and receive or reject calls.

Ultimately, this watch just isn’t worth the price tag if you don’t need the high-tech specialist features it boasts. The most popular features are available in other models that are both cheaper and more comfortable.

Read the full Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular, 49mm Black Titanium Case with Dark Green Alpine Loop – Medium review.

Google Fitbit Charge 6

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 78%
• Distance accuracy score: 97%
• Price: $260

Yes, Fitbit is now owned by Google. While “Google Fitbit” is a bit more of a mouthful than the original, the new ownership could mean new and improved features for Fitbits, but the jury is still out on this for now.

Unfortunately, the Charge 6 didn’t impress our experts: it’s one of the lowest scoring fitness bands in our review. The ����Vlog Expert Rating of 78% isn’t bad, but it’s not exactly great either when you consider that a number of the top performers cost the same or even less than this one.

It did perform quite well in terms of accuracy and our experts liked its apps and website, but they had a few quibbles. 

The band struggled to sync with the phone during setup, and the date resets when you’re browsing old data or drilling down into details which is frustrating when you’re trying to track your progress over time. (One or both of these problems occurred with all three Google bands we tested.) And while the band is comfortable to wear, some testers found it a bit awkward to fasten.

The features on offer with the Charge 6 also require an ongoing subscription, which may not be appealing for people who just want to count their steps and do some sleep tracking. You don’t need a subscription for many features of the Charge 6’s predecessor – the Charge 5 – so it might be better value for money depending on what you want from a fitness tracker.

Read the full Google Fitbit Charge 6 review.

Garmin Vivosmart 5 Small/Medium

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 78%
• Distance accuracy score: 97%
• Price: $249

This is one to avoid if you’re planning to track your steps or distance while walking or running with a pram. While it’s very accurate when your arm is swinging free, it doesn’t accurately record your distance or step count when your arm is relatively still – so you won’t get the credit for all those steps you did while pushing the baby in a pram, or any other activity where you’re not moving your arms much. 

On the plus side, it has very good Android and iOS apps for monitoring data, and our testers found it very easy to set up. 

Like the Charge 6 above, there are better fitness trackers to buy if you have a budget of around $250. 

Read the full Garmin Vivosmart 5 review.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular, 49mm Black Titanium Case with Black Titanium Ocean Band

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 79%
• Distance accuracy score: 99%
• Price: $1399

This is the same watch as the Ultra 2 we’ve mentioned earlier, just with a different band. We’ve tested this separately because comfort is a significant factor when using a fitness tracker.

Though it still only scores 58% for comfort, our trialists did find this band slightly more comfortable (highlighting the importance of getting a band that feels perfect for you), but its other scores are identical to the watch with the Alpine Loop band.

Unless you are training for the next Olympic game triathlon, you can get better performance for less money by choosing a better scoring product.

Read the full Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular, 49mm Black Titanium Case with Black Titanium Ocean Band review.

Apple Watch SE 3 GPS + Cellular, 44mm Midnight Aluminium Case with Midnight Sport Band – M/L

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 79%
• Distance accuracy score: 97%
• Price: $539

This Apple watch has a high-contrast screen that’s easy to see in bright daylight as well as other features like fall detection and a built-in GPS. It has excellent accuracy for pace count and distance, however, it’s only OK for ease of use. In particular adjusting the fit isn’t simple. 

You’ll need to supply your own USB-C charger. If tracking your steps is important to you, the supplied watch faces don’t show your steps, so you’ll need to use a third-party app to track your steps.

Read the full Apple Watch SE 3 GPS + Cellular, 44mm Midnight Aluminium Case with Midnight Sport Band – M/L review.

CMF by Nothing Watch 3 Pro with Liquid Silicon Strap

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 79%
• Distance accuracy score: 99%
• Price: $179

This watch has excellent accuracy for pace count and distance, but our trialists only rated it as ‘OK’ for comfort. You’ll need to have your own USB-A charger and the raised watch edge can be an impedance when swiping. Another annoyance is that you won’t be able to view the polarised screen if you’re wearing polarised sunglasses.

This is one of the cheapest fitness watches in our test, however, we’ve tested other sub-$200 models that score ‘very good’ overall, making them a better option to consider. 

Read the full CMF by Nothing Watch 3 Pro with Liquid Silicon Strap.

The post The lowest scoring fitness trackers in our testing  appeared first on ����Vlog.

At the age of 24, Amanda sustained severe damage to her teeth in a domestic violence incident, and the Perth mother’s dental health never recovered.

Last year, in her late 50s, she decided to dip into her superannuation savings to fund the dental work she had delayed for so many years. 

After shopping around and getting quotes from several dentists, Amanda paid $60,000 in late November 2024 to Perth Dental Rooms for a full set of dental implants. 

Just over a month later, before her work had begun, the director of the company that owned the clinic, David Hurst, died by suicide leaving an estimated 130 patients including Amanda out of pocket with work either not started or incomplete. 

According to lawyers from Slater and Gordan, who are assisting some of the affected patients, Hurst withdrew more than $7 million from the company prior to his death. The company was facing bankruptcy and was placed in liquidation, leaving limited options for patients to recoup lost money. 

Advocates say cases like this have highlighted the urgent need for reforms to the way that dental work is paid for across the industry. 

Patients left in the lurch 

Slater and Gordan’s medical law practice leader Sarah Marshman says many patients are in “physical, financial and emotional pain” following Hurst’s death. 

“A lot of them had paid quite a lot of money either privately or through their superannuation for treatment that was either never completed, never started or completed not at standard,” she says. 

Hurst was convicted of defrauding the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom of tens of thousands of dollars before later coming to Australia to practice. 

Marshman says during Hurst’s time at the practice, many of Perth Dental Rooms’ patients were subjected to “aggressive” social media advertising on Meta-owned Facebook and Instagram encouraging them to withdraw their superannuation early to pay for dental work. 

As ����Vlog reported last year, the number of early super withdrawals to pay for dental work is skyrocketing with social media marketing playing a major role in the rising number of applications. 

Marshman says the process for affected patients to attempt to get their money back will be a “long road”.  “Many of the patients feel ashamed, angry, and misled, and they’ve lost both money and trust,” Marshman says. 

Meanwhile Amanda has no idea where her $60,000 is. 

“I wanted a nice smile for 30 years and now that dream has been taken away from me,” Amanda says.

New owners take over 

Perth Dental Rooms has since been sold to new owners, who do not have any connection to the previous ownership. ����Vlog is not alleging any wrongdoing on the part of the new ownership. 

“We are deeply sympathetic to the many people affected by Mr Hurst’s unethical and illegal conduct. While the new ownership is not legally or contractually responsible for treatments performed prior to our acquisition, we felt a moral duty to assist those impacted where possible,” the new owners tell ����Vlog in a statement. 

They added that support included consultations and new dental records to replace inadequate documentation left behind and “in many cases offering heavily subsidised treatment of up to 30%–80% off regular fees”

“In some cases, completely free dental care has been paid for at our own cost. Noting that no pre-paid funds were transferred to us at sale and there has been no assistance from government,” they say. 

Hurst’s not the only case in WA 

Unfortunately, this is not the only case in Western Australia of something going wrong in the dental industry in recent months. 

In June, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) issued its first ever public warning that named a specific dental practitioner, following new legislation intended to protect public health and safety that allows the agency to refer to problem practitioners by name. 

Western Australian dentist and dental nurse Peter Terzi, also known as Peter Taylor, was suspended from both professions in February 2025, but Ahpra warned that he may be continuing to present himself as a registered dentist or nurse. 

The industry regulator Ahpra said he was also facing criminal charges before the Western Australian courts for allegedly practicing without registration, adding that he has pleaded not guilty to those charges. 

Health Consumers’ Council Western Australia executive director Clare Mullen says they have been contacted by several of Peter Terzi’s clients who had prepaid for work which can now no longer be completed. 

She says that both Terzi’s and Hurst’s cases highlight major gaps in the consumer protections in the dental industry, where patients are often asked to prepay tens of thousands of dollars for work.

“There is little to no protection for when things go wrong. Professional indemnity insurance covers some work that might be faulty, but it doesn’t cover the non-delivery of services,” she says. 

A dental bond scheme could offer a solution

Mullen says she would like to see the introduction of a bond system, in which a government body holds the dental fees and releases it to the dentist when the work is successfully completed. The system would be similar to the way residential tenancy bonds are held. 

“The dentist can access the money once the work is completed, but if anything should prevent the work from being completed you can get it back, it essentially remains your money, until the work is done,” she says. 

Amanda supports the idea and says it would have saved her from losing her money. 

“People shouldn’t have to pay a lump sum like that, and if they do, it should be put somewhere that is completely independent from the practitioner until the work is complete,” she says. 

Ahpra’s Dental Board says it doesn’t have the power to advocate on behalf of patients in financial matters and has no oversight of the setting of dental fees. 

The Board says it recently released new guidance for the use of superannuation to fund dental work after “concerns” were raised within Ahpra as well as the Australian Taxation Office. 

“The significant increase in applications for future dental treatments in recent years raises concerns that some practitioners may be placing profits over patient care,” the Board says. 

It added that it would not be appropriate for the Board to comment on whether stronger consumer protections were needed. 

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