Government Targets Shonky Operators To Protect Tourism Industry
Published Wednesday, 31 October, 2007 at 11:17 AM
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland
The Honourable Kerry Shine
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine has warned shonky retail business operators will feel the full force of the law if they are caught ripping off overseas tourists by claiming their products can perform miraculous cures.
“We will not tolerate Queensland’s reputation with overseas tourists being threatened by dodgy operators who make outlandish claims about the products they sell to unsuspecting and vulnerable overseas tourists,” Mr Shine said.
“One recent investigation resulted in a Gold Coast duty free shop being fined $12,000 in the Southport Magistrates Court for making false claims about the health benefits of its products in signs targeting Chinese visitors.
“With the help of an interpreter Office of Fair Trading investigators discovered the shop was using signs written in Chinese to claim some of its products could stop the spread of cancer, cure diabetes and even delay aging,” Mr Shine said.
Some of the claims the duty free shop made to Chinese customers which were found to be untrue include:
• Shark cartilage stops or restrains the spread of cancerous tumours.
• Sheep colostrum was an antibiotic that could delay aging, strengthen muscles, improve growth, help post-surgical patients and adjust blood sugar levels.
• Propolis could enhance human immunity and prevent the development of colds or viruses.
• And that Shark liver extract prevented type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Mr Shine said traders must be able to substantiate the claims they make about the products they sell, whether it’s in advertising, brochures or signs in their shops.
“The good standing of the Queensland tourism industry is put at risk when traders make unsubstantiated claims about products they sell to tourists.”
“Overseas tourists must have confidence that traders will comply with local laws and the Bligh Government will continue to proactively monitor the marketplace for outlandish claims that could mislead vulnerable consumers,” he said.
Under the Fair Trading Act any traders who make false or misleading claims can face fines of up to $40,500 for individuals and $202,500 for corporations.
Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400, 0488 799 273
“We will not tolerate Queensland’s reputation with overseas tourists being threatened by dodgy operators who make outlandish claims about the products they sell to unsuspecting and vulnerable overseas tourists,” Mr Shine said.
“One recent investigation resulted in a Gold Coast duty free shop being fined $12,000 in the Southport Magistrates Court for making false claims about the health benefits of its products in signs targeting Chinese visitors.
“With the help of an interpreter Office of Fair Trading investigators discovered the shop was using signs written in Chinese to claim some of its products could stop the spread of cancer, cure diabetes and even delay aging,” Mr Shine said.
Some of the claims the duty free shop made to Chinese customers which were found to be untrue include:
• Shark cartilage stops or restrains the spread of cancerous tumours.
• Sheep colostrum was an antibiotic that could delay aging, strengthen muscles, improve growth, help post-surgical patients and adjust blood sugar levels.
• Propolis could enhance human immunity and prevent the development of colds or viruses.
• And that Shark liver extract prevented type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Mr Shine said traders must be able to substantiate the claims they make about the products they sell, whether it’s in advertising, brochures or signs in their shops.
“The good standing of the Queensland tourism industry is put at risk when traders make unsubstantiated claims about products they sell to tourists.”
“Overseas tourists must have confidence that traders will comply with local laws and the Bligh Government will continue to proactively monitor the marketplace for outlandish claims that could mislead vulnerable consumers,” he said.
Under the Fair Trading Act any traders who make false or misleading claims can face fines of up to $40,500 for individuals and $202,500 for corporations.
Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400, 0488 799 273