Yesterday I attended the Forum on Consumer Affairs (CAF) as the Tasmanian representative.
CAF consists of all Commonwealth, State, Territory and New Zealand Ministers responsible for fair trading and consumer protection laws.
The organisation’s focus is on consumer affairs and fair trading matters of national significance, and works to develop a consistent approach to these issues where it can.
All Ministers and representatives agreed to 15 proposals to make minor amendments to the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) to improve its operation, with a request for relevant legislation enacted as soon as possible.
The improvements will see consumer protections strengthened through enhancing price transparency in online shopping, strengthening voluntary recall requirements and increasing penalties for those caught doing the wrong thing.
This comes after a review completed by Consumer Affairs Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) in March this year, and will benefit both consumers and businesses.
In addition, from today Tasmania will assume the role of Chair for both the CAF and CAANZ.
I am honoured to be taking over as Chair for the next year, and Tasmania will play a key role in guiding consumer policy during this time.
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