The Standing Committee of Officials of Consumer Affairs has released a consultation regulatory impact statement (RIS) on reforms based on best practice in state and territory consumer protection laws, and a new national product safety regime.
These reforms are being considered as part of the development of the Australian Consumer Law. The consumer protection proposals focus on:
- Unsolicited selling
- Asserting a right to payment for
- Information standards
- Liability of recipient of unsolicited services
- Standards of disclosure for information under the Australian Consumer Law
- Bills and receipts
- Lay-by sales
- Dual pricing
- Offering gifts and prizes
- Accepting payment without intending to supply
- False or misleading representations
The proposals are due to be presented to the Ministerial Council on Consumer Affairs for consideration on 4 December 2009. Submissions may be made until 27 November 2009.
