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Indigenous consumers program

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National Reconciliation Week 27 May - 3 June 2011 - This years Theme "Let's Talk Recognition"

Each year National Reconciliation Week (NRW) celebrates the rich culture and history of the First Australians. It is the ideal time for everyone to join the reconciliation conversation and to think about how we can help turn around the disadvantage experienced by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Indigenous consumers are an integral part of the Western Australian community. Consumer Protection is committed to delivering information and services to Indigenous consumers in WA.

Indigenous consumers are particularly vulnerable in remote areas because of the lack of competition and enforcement of consumer protection laws. For most of us telemarketers and door-to-door sales people can be a nuisance, but a new report shows rogue traders are deliberately preying on indigenous consumers. This is an ABC Stateline program from the Aboriginal community of Yarrabah, broadcast on 14 May 2010.

We develop publications designed specifically for Indigenous consumers and make these available via our website, regional offices or by phoning the Consumer Protection Advice Line 1300 30 40 54.

Consumer Protection WA also plays a key role in the National Indigenous Consumer Strategy.

Western Australian Indigenous program initiatives

Indigenous consumer education program

Our objective is to provide relevant and appropriate education to Indigenous consumers in WA.

We have adopted an Indigenous Consumers Education Plan [PDF 15kb], which determines our strategies in developing publications and education programs.

Don't get ripped off audio series

Don't get ripped off is a series of radio announcements targetting Indigenous consumer issues including: 

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), has also produced a series of short audio segments  for Indigenous people called Money Talks. The series is about making good money decisions and is available on ASIC's MoneySmart website.

Bundiyarra Television Adverts

Consumer Protection in partnership with the Bundiyarra Aboriginal Corporation (BAC) has developed a series of television (TV) commercials to address local consumer and labour relations issues in the Mid West Indigenous community.

Local community leaders volunteered to act in the commercials and the local TV station (GWN) agreed to air them as community service announcements and were first aired the Golden West Network (GWN) from November 2010.

The adverts invite Indigenous consumers to contact the Department and introduce the Geraldton regional staff, Danni Bloomfield (CP) and Leanne Day (LR). You can view our series of  Bundiyarra television adverts here.

Indigenous consumer publications

Consumer Protection has developed a number of publications of Indigenous consumers including:

Consumer Protection produces a variety of publications on consumer issues including: How to ease the credit squeeze and Managing and avoiding debt.

To order Consumer Protection publications please contact us by email, visit us in person at 219 St Georges Tce, Perth or phone the Consumer Protection Advice Line on 1300 30 40 54 or 13 36 77 for the National Relay Service for the hearing impaired.

Renting a Place in WA guides

This series of three booklets aim to better prepare Indigenous consumers to secure, maintain and leave rental accommodation in both private and DHW tenancies by explaining both their rights and responsibilities.

The booklets are presented in a format designed to be read with an advocate or support worker. The publications are a direct result of Consumer Protection meeting Indigenous consumer needs as highlighted in the “Indigenous Consumers Count” report.

Have a look at the latest column from our Community Education Officer Teena Forrest Benavides in the Yamaji news

Indigenous Consumers Count report

Indigenous Consumers Count report [PDF 1.mb] is a first of its kind to examine consumer issues faced by Indigenous Western Australians and whether the current provision of consumer protection services adequately meet the needs of this diverse population.

The report was based on research conducted by Consumer Protection in 2004-05, and looked at the perceptions of advocates and service providers from organisations concerned with the needs of Indigenous Western Australian consumers.

The objectives of the research project were to:

  • identify the main consumer issues facing Indigenous Western Australians;
  • assess the current provision of Consumer Protection services to Indigenous consumers, and
  • gain feedback on proposed Consumer Protection initiatives for Indigenous consumers.

 ACCC consumer guarantees awareness campaign

When can you use your rights to repair, replace refund? Since 1 January 2011, you have the right to ask for a repair, replacement or refund if goods or services you buy have problems, find out when your rights apply.

You can visit the ACCC Consumer Rights Facebook Page here.

General information