Chris Pearce today complimented National Consumer Congress speakers, organisers and participants for contributing to an outstanding consumer event. Over 250 government, business, academic and consumer representatives and community groups gathered at the two-day Congress to discuss key consumer issues and perspectives on the way forward in the area of consumer policy.
The National Consumer Congress commenced on Wednesday 14 March with the bold vision of exploring new consumer challenges and trends, frameworks for responding to change and future directions in consumer policy.
“I believe that the current environment also presents us with a wonderful opportunity - an opportunity to create a new framework for consumer policy. A framework which is more responsive to consumer needs, more efficient, more cost-effective and better coordinated across all levels of government. A framework in which industry and government work collaboratively to benefit consumers. A framework with a national focus. In other words, a framework which is truly world-leading,” Mr Pearce said.
The congress, hosted by George Negus, brought together a wide range of prominent keynote speakers and contributors including Paul Clitheroe, Chairman, Financial Literacy Foundation Advisory Board, Mr Michael Jenkin, Chair of the OECD Committee on Consumer Policy, and Mr Bernard Salt, demographer and partner at KPMG.
Speakers and participants engaged with the key consumer issues including the review of consumer policy, changing consumers and marketplaces, scams, financial literacy, complaint handling and effective regulation.
“The 2007 National Consumer Congress has enriched the debate of consumer policy and has provided a fertile ground for the Productivity Commission’s Review of Consumer Policy.
“I would like to thank all National Consumer Congress participants for their informative and thoughtful contributions,” said Mr Pearce.
16 March 2007
MELBOURNE
Contact:
Conor O'Brien - 03 9887 3890 or 0402 970 515