Paper bills – are you paying more than you have to?

The Office of Fair Trading is reminding Queenslanders to check their paper bills when they arrive in the mail to see if it is costing them extra to receive by post.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath said consumers might not realise that receiving bills in the post could cost them an extra fee.

“It could cost a couple of dollars for each bill. So, when people receive multiple paper bills over the course of a year, it’s an added cost they just don’t need – particularly those who are on low incomes,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“If you want to avoid the fee, enquire with your provider about switching to online billing if you can, or find out if you are eligible for an exemption to avoid the paper bill fee.

“Many companies offer fee exemptions for seniors, concession card holders, low income earners, or those who have limited access to the internet.

“Many service providers now have exemptions from fees available for people who need paper bills because they have no real alternative.

“Consumers who are eligible for an exemption, but are having trouble getting their exemption request processed, should contact the Office of Fair Trading for assistance,” Mrs D’Ath said.

In 2018, the Federal Government undertook a regulatory assessment of fees charged to receive paper bills. As a result, businesses have been asked to increase the take-up of exemption programs and promote them more widely.

Across the marketplace, businesses need to have at least 30 per cent of consumers who receive paper bills covered by an exemption program. If this target is not met by late 2019, Consumer Affairs Ministers will consider implementing a ban on paper billing fees.

For more information on paper billing, visit www.consumerlaw.gov.au/paperbilling or call 13 QGOV (13 74 68).

Media contact: Joe Begley 0447 155 332