The Minister for Financial Services & Regulation, Joe Hockey today unveiled a policy framework for online consumer protection that will empower Australians to be at the forefront of global online commerce.
"As Minister with responsibility for consumer affairs, I am committed to providing adequate consumer protection on the Internet. We want to develop a consumer protection regime for e-commerce that will empower Australians to be at the forefront of global commerce, both as online consumers and as online traders," the Minister said.
"I want Australia to establish a reputation around the world as a centre of excellence in consumer protection that will make it an attractive location for companies and consumers to do business."
The policy paper released today is entitled A Policy Framework for Consumer Protection in Electronic Commerce Exposure Draft.
"The Governments philosophy of consumer sovereignty is that consumers, when equipped with the right information, are in the best position to make their own decisions. The Internet gives consumers almost limitless choice. We need to make sure that consumers have a safe environment in which to take full advantage of that choice."
The initiatives proposed under the Policy Framework include a Model Code of Conduct for traders on the Internet, examining the feasibility of a dispute resolution scheme to resolve online disputes and the establishment of an Expert Group to advise the Minister on electronic commerce.
The Government is also looking to international collaboration on consumer protection issues and to continued consumer education measures.
"Research indicates that while the number of Australians using the Internet is increasing rapidly, few people are using it to make purchases. These statistics highlight the need to develop a consumer protection environment that will increase consumers confidence in buying online," the Minister said.
The Policy Framework, including detail of the new initiatives, is available on the Internet at http://www.treasury.gov.au. Public comments are being sought until 30 July 1999.