The Consumer Affairs Ministry has released a discussion document on plans to review and rationalise consumer law.Consumer Affairs Minister Heather Roy said the consumer law reform discussion document focused on a "one law one door" policy."
The Consumer Affairs Ministry has released a discussion document on plans to review and rationalise consumer law.
Consumer Affairs Minister Heather Roy said the consumer law reform discussion document focused on a "one law one door" policy.
"One law refers to the goal of principles-based consumer-supplier legislation, while one door aims to provide a single portal consumers can use to seek advice and assistance when consumer transactions go awry," Mrs Roy said.
She said strong and relevant consumer legislation was an important contributor to consumer confidence and participation in the marketplace and helped create a competitive environment where reputable businesses had protection from the operation of less reputable ones.
The document says most of the consumer laws covered in the review are over 20 years old and questions whether there needs to be seven specific consumer laws dealing with consumer transactions.
It also addresses the Government's goal to achieve a single economic market wherever possible with Australia, which is also undergoing a major consumer law review that is being closely monitored here.
The Direct Selling Association (DSA) said today it was pleased a review was underway here.
"The need for change has been evident for many years and we believe that by incorporating many of the highly prescriptive legislations into a more principled basis of legislation, this should be both a simplification and an empowerment of consumer rights through both self enforcement and the ability of the Commerce Commission to enforce rogue marketers," said DSA executive director Garth Wyllie.
He said proposed changes would not be detrimental to members, as law was simply catching up to some of the protections already offered by the DSA code of practice.
Submissions on the discussion document are due by the end of July and oral submissions will be heard in August.
Sign up to get the latest stories and insights delivered to your inbox – free, every day.
