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Consumer Advisory Council

Coloured shopping bagsEnd of Term

The Consumer Advisory Council's term of office ended in November 2005

Background

As part of the Consumer Justice Strategy, the Consumer Advisory Council gave advice to the Minister of Consumer Protection, the Hon Michelle Roberts MLA, on consumer protection matters from a consumer perspective.

The purpose of the Council was to strengthen the voice of WA consumers and develop strategies to involve consumers in matters that affected them.

Role of the Council

The initial role of the Council was to:

  1. Advise the Minister and Department on strategic approaches to building capacity in consumer groups so as to increase and improve consumer input in consumer affairs.
  2. Advise the Minister and Department in the review of the Consumer Affairs Act 1971 and Fair Trading Act 1987.

Council Structure

The Council consisted of nine members appointed by the Minister. The Consumer Protection Commissioner is an ex-officio member.

The members of the Council:

  • Janet Pine (Chair)
  • Lisa Baker
  • Rhonda Algaba
  • Gary Bonney
  • Judith Davis
  • Robert Evans
  • Ken Marston
  • Aileen O’Rourke
  • Patrick Walker (Commission for Fair Trading)

Executive Support

To assist the Council undertake its duties, a part-time Executive Officer was appointed. The Executive Officer arranged meetings, provided members with support, undertook research as required and ensured proper records were kept.

Council Activities

The Council developed two booklets to assist effective consumer representation on boards and committees. One booklet was designed as a guide for consumers, and one as a guide for industry and government.

In June 2004, the Consumer Advisory Council undertook a small survey of consumer representatives on government boards and committees. The survey aimed to assess the use of consumer representatives as one strategy for including consumer perspectives in policy decision making.

Research and advocacy centre

In 2004, the Council undertook consultations with non-government and government agencies on a proposal for the establishment of a consumer research and advocacy centre in WA.

Public Seminar

On 11 November 2004, the Council held a free public seminar at the University of WA on the relationship between international human rights and consumer rights. Keynote speeches were presented by: