Politicians aim for enhanced consumer protection

Consumer affairs ministers from across the country are meeting today in Melbourne to discuss legislation to protect consumers.

Federal small business minister Michael McCormack said he had put several items on the agenda, including financial penalties, paper bills, ticket reselling and retirement villages.

“As Australia’s minister with responsibility for consumer affairs, my most important job is to ensure the safety of Australians and, where required, to take the necessary action to protect people,” he said.

“From boosting and updating a number of product safety standards, taking action to protect consumers from buying unsafe products and increasing penalties on companies which take consumers for a ride, my focus has been on delivering the protection Australians deserve and need.”

National approach wanted

The Australian Consumer Law is governed by an intergovernmental agreement between the commonwealth and the states and territories.

So this sort of meeting is required to make changes to the Australian Consumer Law.

Mr McCormack said the meeting would be a chance to create nationally consistent consumer protection rules – which are actually the responsibility of the states and territories.

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