Australian consumers have spoken, and the verdict is in: several major companies have been crowned the nation's worst performers in the prestigious 2025 Shonky Awards. The annual ceremony, organised by consumer advocacy group Choice, doesn't celebrate excellence but rather exposes the most egregious examples of corporate misconduct and questionable products.
The Dubious Honour Roll
This year's 'winners' include some of Australia's most recognisable names across banking, retail, and healthcare sectors. The awards highlight growing consumer frustration with practices that range from misleading claims to outright exploitation.
Commonwealth Bank's Security Failures
Australia's largest bank received particular scrutiny for what Choice describes as "security theatre" rather than genuine protection. The organisation criticised CommBank's refusal to implement biometric security measures for business accounts, leaving customers vulnerable to sophisticated scams.
"While everyday consumers enjoy the security of fingerprint and facial recognition technology, business customers are stuck with outdated password systems that scammers can easily bypass," the Choice report stated.
Temu's Questionable Bargains
The Chinese online marketplace Temu faced condemnation for its aggressive marketing tactics and questionable data practices. Despite offering seemingly unbeatable prices, Choice researchers found numerous instances of:
- Products failing basic safety standards
- Misleading discount claims
- Concerning data collection practices
- Poor quality merchandise that doesn't match descriptions
One investigator noted: "The real cost of those bargain prices might be your personal information and peace of mind."
HCF's Insurance Maze
Health insurer HCF received criticism for making it unnecessarily difficult for customers to understand what they're actually paying for. The organisation was singled out for:
- Complex policy documents that obscure coverage limitations
- Hidden fees and unexpected out-of-pocket expenses
- Confusing claims processes that discourage legitimate usage
Broader Consumer Concerns
Beyond the individual winners, the Shonky Awards highlighted several troubling trends affecting Australian consumers. The rise of "subscription traps" and automatic renewal schemes caught the attention of judges, along with greenwashing claims from companies making environmental promises they can't substantiate.
Choice CEO emphasised that these awards serve as a crucial warning to both consumers and corporations: "When companies put profits before people, we will name and shame them. Australian consumers deserve better than misleading claims and poor value."
The organisation encourages consumers to research thoroughly before making significant purchases and to report questionable practices to regulatory authorities. As one judge summarised: "The only thing these companies are winning is our distrust."
