Consumers and organisations are being encouraged to get involved in the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into Australia’s Consumer Policy framework.
Griffith University’s Centre for Credit and Consumer Law (CCCL) Director Nicola Howell said it’s critical people get involved as there needs to be as much input as possible.
The Federal Productivity Commission is seeking submissions on improvements to assist and empower consumers plus examining ways to harmonise and coordinate consumer policy across jurisdictions.
“The Productivity Commission is looking at ways in which to improve the effectiveness of the consumer policy framework. The framework will affect all Queenslanders so it’s important people get involved, particularly those who see the issues in their day to day work,” Ms Howell said.
“Financial counsellors, community workers and advocates who give advice and assist consumers in resolving complaints with traders often have valuable information about where the gaps are, or may have identified areas where the law doesn’t offer opportunities for redress.”
To encourage those thinking of making a submission, the CCCL is hosting a Consumer Network meeting with community and consumer organisations to discuss some of the issues likely to be considered in the review.
“The Productivity Commission needs to hear from a whole range of organisations about what works and what doesn’t in the consumer policy framework in Australia,” Ms Howell said.
“The experiences of grassroots organisations that interact with the system on behalf of their clients can highlight where changes are urgently needed.
“The CCCL will be making a submission to the Inquiry, but we also encourage individual consumers and community organisations across Queensland to have their say,” said Ms Howell.
The meeting will be opened by Minister for Tourism, Fair Trading and Wine Industry Development the Hon Margaret Keech MP. Presentations will be given by the Commissioner of the Productivity Commission Robert Fitzgerald and others.
Submissions close on May 11. For a copy of the government’s issue paper visit www.pc.gov.au/inquiry/consumer/index.html