People in Queensland communities rebuilding after the January floods have access to rights and protections under the Australian Consumer Law, said Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, David Bradbury.
Mr Bradbury joined Member for Capricornia, Kirsten Livermore, in Rockhampton to help raise awareness of people’s rights under the new Australian Consumer Law.
"The new Australian Consumer Law began on 1 January 2011 and replaces provisions in 20 separate State and Territory laws with a single, national law," said Mr Bradbury.
"This means that no matter where you are in Australia, you have access to the same rights as a consumer.
"This includes a national system for product safety enforcement and new laws to protect consumers from unfair terms in standard consumer contracts.
"The Australian Consumer Law also provides statutory consumer guarantees that apply to consumer goods and services and certain purchases made by businesses up to the value of $40,000.
"Under these guarantees, goods purchased must be of acceptable quality and perform the function for which they were purchased, while services must be undertaken with due care and skill."
Ms Livermore said it was important that people undertaking repairs and reconstruction work after the Queensland floods were aware of their rights under the Australian Consumer Law.
"For people undertaking work to repair damage from the floods, the Australian Consumer Law provides protection from things like unfair contract terms and gives people peace of mind that there are guarantees on the goods and services that they buy," said Ms Livermore.
"The new product safety laws also cover the installation of products by tradesmen. If consumers are concerned about the safety of repairs and renovations, they should contact the ACCC on 1300 302 502 or visit www.productsafety.gov.au," Mr Bradbury said.
There is a wide range of useful information on the Australian Consumer Law, including a specially-designed iPhone app called MyShop Rights that provides information on warranties and guarantees.
Consumers can also access Your Shopping Rights, a fact sheet outlining essential consumer rights and business obligations. Your Shopping Rights is also available in 29 community languages.
Mr Bradbury said that state and territory consumer agencies and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) were able to take consumer complaints and enforce the Australian Consumer Law.
"If anyone encounters any problems when dealing with a business or service provider, they should contact the Queensland Office of Fair Trading on 13 74 68, or the ACCC on 1300 302 502," said Mr Bradbury.
For more information, go to www.consumerlaw.gov.au.
18 March 2011