Published Tuesday, 16 September, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland
The Honourable Kerry Shine
Shine encourages students to Buy Smart – and get in the running to win cash prizes
School students are reminded there is only this week left to get their entries in for the Office of Fair Trading’s 2008 Buy Smart competition and be in the running for cash prizes.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine said the 2008 Buy Smart Competition was a great way for young people to learn important consumer and financial literacy skills they can use throughout their lives.
“Young people are active consumers, but many are unaware of their consumer rights such as what to do if they buy a faulty product, when they are entitled to a refund or how to manage credit or mobile phone debt,” Mr Shine said.
“Entering the Buy Smart competition can help young people brush up on the skills they will need throughout their lives.
“To enter, students need to research a consumer or money-related topic and present what they have learnt to their fellow students in a creative way.
“Topics could include buying a mobile phone, buying on credit, refund rights or what to do when buying a car.
“Last year’s entries included videos, board games, posters, a song, storybooks and the first ever MySpace page entry.”
He said there were four categories, grades 3 – 4, 5 – 7, 8 – 9 and 10 – 12, and in each category there are 3 prizes.
“The first prize is $500 for the winning student and $1500 for their school – but get in quick as entries close 19 September 2008,” Mr Shine said.
“I hope by teaching students consumer skills; we can help them avoid financial problems with debt, both now and later in life.
“It’s all part of the Bligh Government’s commitment Towards Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland to be a smarter Queensland.
“Young people have a lot more disposable income now, with average weekly earnings increasing by more than $30 in the past 10 years.
“While young people have more money to spend, 20 per cent of people aged under 18 have admitted mobile phone debt has caused them major problems.
“In the 2006-07 financial year, over 2000 people aged under 25 declared bankruptcy, which is a frightening figure.”
For more information on how to enter visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or call the Office of Fair Trading on 13 13 04.
The website also has resources to help teachers incorporate the competition into classroom activities, developed in partnership with Education Queensland.
Media contact: Kate Lennox 3224 7481 or 0421 127 869
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine said the 2008 Buy Smart Competition was a great way for young people to learn important consumer and financial literacy skills they can use throughout their lives.
“Young people are active consumers, but many are unaware of their consumer rights such as what to do if they buy a faulty product, when they are entitled to a refund or how to manage credit or mobile phone debt,” Mr Shine said.
“Entering the Buy Smart competition can help young people brush up on the skills they will need throughout their lives.
“To enter, students need to research a consumer or money-related topic and present what they have learnt to their fellow students in a creative way.
“Topics could include buying a mobile phone, buying on credit, refund rights or what to do when buying a car.
“Last year’s entries included videos, board games, posters, a song, storybooks and the first ever MySpace page entry.”
He said there were four categories, grades 3 – 4, 5 – 7, 8 – 9 and 10 – 12, and in each category there are 3 prizes.
“The first prize is $500 for the winning student and $1500 for their school – but get in quick as entries close 19 September 2008,” Mr Shine said.
“I hope by teaching students consumer skills; we can help them avoid financial problems with debt, both now and later in life.
“It’s all part of the Bligh Government’s commitment Towards Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland to be a smarter Queensland.
“Young people have a lot more disposable income now, with average weekly earnings increasing by more than $30 in the past 10 years.
“While young people have more money to spend, 20 per cent of people aged under 18 have admitted mobile phone debt has caused them major problems.
“In the 2006-07 financial year, over 2000 people aged under 25 declared bankruptcy, which is a frightening figure.”
For more information on how to enter visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or call the Office of Fair Trading on 13 13 04.
The website also has resources to help teachers incorporate the competition into classroom activities, developed in partnership with Education Queensland.
Media contact: Kate Lennox 3224 7481 or 0421 127 869