The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) welcomes the introduction of a single national consumer law.The Trade Practices Amendment (Australian Consumer Law) Bill 2009, passed today by the Senate, represents significant reform of consumer protection laws in Australia.
‘The Australian Consumer Law heralds a new era of protection for consumers’, said PIAC Chief Executive Officer, Ms Robin Banks.
‘There are significant benefits in having one single piece of national legislation. It means we can have a nation-wide approach to consumer issues such as unfair contract terms.
‘PIAC welcomes the legislation because it will stimulate more effective markets for consumers,’ Ms Banks said. ‘We are disappointed by the exclusion of insurers from the coverage of unfair contract terms, and will be supporting consumer advocates across Australia for the speedy coverage of this important area of life.’
The Australian Consumer Law will come into effect on 1 January 2011. It consolidates previously disparate consumer legislation in place across Australia.
PIAC has worked on a number of consumer protection issues, particularly in relation to energy and water services and accessible health care.
PIAC has also been involved in litigation in relation to medical product liability and is involved in consumer protection work in the areas of health, housing, gambling and toxic chemicals.
MEDIA CONTACT: Dominic O’Grady, Media and Communications Officer,
Public Interest Advocacy Centre. Ph: 02 8898 6532 or 0400 110 169