Consumer review in spotlight
Issue Date: - Friday, 29 February 2008
An overview of proposed changes to Australia's consumer policy framework - and the thinking behind these proposals - will be a highlight of the National Consumer Congress in Perth next month.
Productivity Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald has headed a major review of the framework and will present the congress's keynote address on March 5.
A draft report of the commission's review was released late last year and the final report is due out at the end of April.
Mr Fitzgerald said his talk would focus on the reasoning behind the proposals and the fundamental principles involved - among these the desire to empower, rather than simply protect, consumers.
Mr Fitzgerald said he would also clarify the roles of the various regulatory structures within the framework, such as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and highlight key elements of the reform proposals including provisions for dealing with unfair contracts and the robust approach being taken to the processes of consumer redress and mediation.
Mr Fitzgerald said he hoped his address would stimulate discussion on the proposals in the lead up to the commission's final report.
Designed to create a more efficient and responsive consumer protection system, with less duplication and inconsistency between the states, territories and Commonwealth, the proposed reform package includes:
- A single generic consumer law that would apply throughout Australia.
- A broader range of enforcement tools for consumer regulators.
- A national system for licensing finance brokers and registering credit providers.
- A national policy regime for energy consumers.
- New provisions for dealing with unfair contracts.
- Improved complaint and redress procedures.
- Improved product information requirements, ensuring the provision of relevant, easily-understood information.
The 5th National Consumer Congress is being held at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre on March 5 and 6.
The congress is the premiere annual event of the consumer protection calendar in Australia and brings together key stakeholders in the consumer protection framework.