Picture this: Your trusted bank slyly charging you fees you never deserved, pocketing millions, and then stonewalling when confronted – all while millions of everyday Australians suffer the hit. It's a jaw-dropping scenario, and it's exactly what the 2025 Choice Shonky Awards are shining a light on, exposing the biggest disappointments in products, services, and companies that are failing Australian consumers. But here's where it gets controversial – are these 'winners' truly the villains, or is there a hidden story behind the scenes? Stick around as we dive into the details, and you might just discover the part most people miss: how these awards aren't just about shaming; they're a rallying cry for fair play in everyday life.
For newcomers to this annual event, the Choice Shonky Awards are like the consumer world's hall of shame, run by the respected advocacy group Choice to mark 20 years of highlighting the shadiest practices that let down Aussie shoppers. Think of it as a friendly watchdog that tests products and calls out issues, from faulty gadgets to unethical business tactics, all to empower you to make smarter choices. This year, they've targeted the usual suspects with a fresh batch of revelations that could spark heated debates – like whether corporations prioritize profits over people, or if we, as consumers, should demand stricter regulations.
Leading the pack as the top 'winner' is none other than Commonwealth Bank, Australia's largest financial institution, which is being publicly roasted for its stubborn refusal to issue bulk refunds on unfair fees totaling a staggering $270 million charged to 2.2 million low-income customers. To break it down simply: These fees were imposed wrongly, perhaps through complex account structures or hidden charges that low-income folks might not spot easily, yet the bank has dug in its heels, refusing to make things right. This isn't CommBank's first rodeo either – it's their fourth Shonky win, cementing their status as the most 'honored' company in the awards' history. Choice CEO Ashley de Silva explained it bluntly to PerthNow, stating that the bank's victory is well-deserved because of these exploitative fees and an ongoing ASIC investigation into their practices earlier this year, which examined potential misconduct. Imagine being a struggling family hit with extra costs that push you further into hardship – it's unfair and infuriating, and it raises a prickly question: Should banks face tougher penalties for preying on vulnerable groups, or is this just business as usual in a cutthroat world?
Adding fuel to the fire, there's a related story gaining traction: A Perth woman's outrage over an 'unfair' account block by another online banking service, Wise, which she claims was discriminatory. It highlights how these issues aren't isolated; they ripple through the financial world, leaving everyday people feeling powerless. But here's the twist that might surprise you – while CommBank has been contacted for their side of the story, the silence speaks volumes, doesn't it?
Shifting gears to the online retail scene, global giant Temu earned a spot on the naughty list for peddling unsafe and subpar goods while neglecting to safeguard its customers. Choice's rigorous testing uncovered alarming flaws: Every single button battery product they purchased from Temu flunked safety standards, posing serious risks like choking hazards or chemical burns for kids. And it gets even more heartbreaking – one of the site's hoodies actually ignited during a test, severely burning an eight-year-old girl in Queensland. For beginners, think about how these products might seem like affordable steals online, but without proper oversight, they can turn into nightmares. Is Temu's rapid growth blinding them to safety, or should consumers boycott platforms that cut corners? This is the part that stirs debate: In a world of fast fashion and cheap imports, where do we draw the line between innovation and recklessness?
Health insurer HCF didn't escape unscathed, either, with Choice labeling their move as a 'price rise in disguise.' Essentially, this could mean sneaky increases hidden in fine print or policy adjustments that boost premiums without clear warning, leaving policyholders paying more than they bargained for. Meanwhile, energy retailers faced public shaming for their baffling pricing strategies that confuse customers into overpaying – picture convoluted bills or fluctuating rates that make budgeting a headache. It's a classic example of how complex jargon can hide overcharges, and for those new to these services, it's worth noting that energy bills often include hidden fees that add up quickly, especially for vulnerable households.
Rounding out the list is the Handy Heater Turbo 800, hilariously (or tragically) dubbed a plug-in heater that 'doesn't plug in, or heat.' It's a prime illustration of misleading advertising – consumers buy it expecting warmth and convenience, only to find it's utterly useless. As Ashley de Silva put it, 'From airlines to banks and even camel milk, the Shonkys are about holding businesses to account and standing up for Australian consumers.' These examples show how the awards cover everything from everyday essentials to niche oddities, all in the name of protecting buyers.
Here's the full lineup of 2025 Shonky Award recipients for your reference:
- Commonwealth Bank
- Temu
- Handy Heater Turbo 800
- Energy retailers
- HCF
Commonwealth Bank has been approached for comment, but as we wrap up, let's ponder the bigger picture. Do you agree that big corporations like banks deserve repeated call-outs, or is there merit to their defenses? Should we forgive Temu for growing pains, or is safety non-negotiable? And what about insurers – are 'disguised' rises just smart business, or downright deceptive? Share your hot takes in the comments below; I'm eager to hear if you side with the consumers or see a counterpoint we might have missed. After all, these awards are as much about sparking conversation as they are about change – what do you think?
