VICTORIAN CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWS THE MODEL FOR NATIONAL REGIME
Fast-tracking the development of a national consumer law based on current Victorian legislation means all Australian consumers will benefit from higher standards of protection, Consumer Affairs Minister Tony Robinson said today.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Fast-tracking the development of a national consumer law based on current Victorian legislation means all Australian consumers will benefit from higher standards of protection, Consumer Affairs Minister Tony Robinson said today.
Mr Robinson said the Brumby Government welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to bring forward laws protecting consumers from unfair terms in consumer contracts for consideration by Parliament this year.
“The Brumby Government is a national reform leader, taking action to build our nation and lock in prosperity,” he said.
“We’ve been at the forefront of the national consumer protection agenda, advocating that all Australians should enjoy the high standards of protection applying in Victoria.”
“Now we are one step closer to ensuring the benefits of Victoria’s progressive legislation on unfair terms in consumer contracts are available to consumers across the country.”
Unfair terms in consumer contracts are defined as terms causing a significant imbalance in the rights and obligations of the parties to a contract to the detriment of the consumer.
Unfair terms have been prohibited in Victoria since 2003. Under the Fair Trading Act 1999, unfair terms are void and unenforceable. Victoria is the only state with specific legislation protecting consumers against unfair terms in consumer contracts
The Fair Trading Act has been applied to achieve substantial improvements in consumer contracts for mobile phones, pay TV, fitness centres and airline tickets.
The development of national consumer protection laws implements a Productivity Commission recommendation made in its Final Report on consumer policy in May last year.
The Commission estimated implementing a national regulatory scheme would result in benefits to Australian consumers of between $1.5 billion and $4.5 billion each year.
“National regulation will enhance consumer protection, reduce business costs and facilitate well-functioning markets by creating consistency and certainty for traders and consumers,” Mr Robinson said.
For more information about unfair contract terms in Victoria and the development of a national consumer law, contact Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300 55 81 81 or visit www.consumer.vic.gov.au
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