This morning in Melbourne, Chris Pearce opened the 2007 National Consumer Congress.
Over 250 government, business, academic and consumer representatives and community groups have gathered at the two day Congress to discuss key consumer issues and perspectives on the way forward in the area of consumer policy.
“Forums like the National Consumer Congress are invaluable for bringing people together, for exchanging views and for progressing key issues,” Mr Pearce said. “The winds of change are sweeping through the consumer landscape as consumers use new technologies to research and purchase goods and services. Consumers themselves are changing also.”
In his opening address, Mr Pearce discussed a number of Government priorities including the Productivity Commission’s review into Australia’s consumer policy framework, product safety and scams.
The Congress continues tomorrow with an in-depth panel discussion of the Productivity Commission’s review into Australia’s consumer policy framework. This forum will provide an opportunity to generate debate on issues covered by the review and highlight how the consumer policy environment has changed in the 25 years since the last major review.
Two of tomorrow’s speakers include Mr Graeme Samuel, Chairman of ACCC and Dr Ken Henry, Secretary to the Treasury.
14 March 2007
MELBOURNE
Contact:
Conor O'Brien - 03 9887 3890 or 0402 970 515