Consumer Spotlight on Perth

Issue Date: - Thursday, 21 February 2008

The appointment of WA Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker as the nation’s first “Petrol Commissioner” put Western Australia firmly in the consumer spotlight this week.

The 5th National Consumer Congress – to be held in Perth next month – will ensure it remains there.

Mr Walker’s appointment to the Australian Competition Consumer Commission, as a full-time commissioner with a special focus on petrol, was announced at the weekend.

Soon world leaders in consumer protection will be arriving in Perth for the two-day congress which will be held at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre on March 5 and 6.

Keynote speakers include leading international consumer advocate Pamela Chan, Productivity Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald, Bankruptcy expert Professor Iain Ramsay and Consumer Behavioural expert Professor Lucia Reisch.

Sustainable consumption, fair trade, consumer protection in the age of the information economy, the effectiveness of credit disclosure and raising levels of financial literacy will be among many issues addressed at the congress.

Full and day registrations are still being taken and subsidised rates are available for students and non-government delegates.

Congress delegates will have the chance to meet Mr Walker whose attendance will be one of his final roles as WA’s Consumer Protection Commissioner.

Mr Walker is recognised as the architect of WA’s innovative and highly successfully FuelWatch program. The program provides motorists with information on petrol prices for the following day, enabling consumers to take advantage of the cheapest-priced fuel.

The National Consumer Congress is being co-ordinated by the Department for Consumer and Employment Protection. For the full program or to register online visit www.NCC2008.com.