CONSUMER PROTECTION STILL A TOP PRIORITY FOR BEATTIE GOVERNMENT

The Beattie Government will continue to fight for the rights of consumers throughout Queensland, says Fair Trading Minister Margaret Keech.

Mrs Keech today urged all Queenslanders to have their say on a national review of consumer policies.

Speaking at the Consumer Network meeting about the Productivity Commission’s review, Mrs Keech said Queensland would continue to lead the way when it came to looking out for the rights of buyers.

“The Beattie Government will remain a strong consumer watchdog – there will be no watering down of consumer protection laws in this state,” Mrs Keech said.

“We will not allow big business to operate unregulated – where the Federal Government has fallen behind in its responsibilities, Queensland has stepped up to protect the public.

“Queensland is already going it alone on the regulation of finance brokers, because the Federal Government is dragging the chain on this important issue.

“We will put in place an interim code of conduct designed regulate brokers until a national regime begins in 2009 because we simply can’t afford to wait that long.

“You might be forgiven for thinking the Federal Government has little regard for consumers, and consumer protection, such is their habit of delaying what the states and territories consider necessary protection.

“On other occasions they have refused point-blank to accept their responsibility to protect Australians.

“The responsibility for regulating property investment advice, for example, lies squarely with the Commonwealth.

“They already are responsible for regulating all forms of investment advice through ASIC – yet they refuse to accept their responsibility for property investment advice.

“We accept our own responsibility; we want the Federal Government to do the same.”

Mrs Keech said offering consumers and traders information and education about their rights and responsibilities was also vital to a healthy marketplace.

“In our submission to the Productivity Commission review the Beattie Government will be pushing hard for increased protection for customers and better information and education programs.

“Informed, educated buyers are confident buyers, and consumer confidence is vital to a healthy economy.

“Shifts in consumer confidence can have significant economic impact. That’s why it is important to provide people with information, purchasing skills, protection, redress and a voice on consumer issues.”

Mrs Keech urged consumer groups to have their say as part of the Productivity Commission’s review.

“This is an important opportunity for government, industry and consumer organisations to offer their views on the national consumer policy framework and how it might meet the future needs of the community,” Mrs Keech said.

“We need to ensure that the Productivity Commission is fully aware of the views of all sectors of our community.”

Media Contact: Jo Gibbons 3225 1005 or 0421 611 989