Mums will now enjoy extended expiry dates on gift cards this Mother’s Day, thanks to recent reforms by the NSW Government, Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said.
Mr Kean said this is great news ahead of Mother’s Day this weekend, when consumers are expected to spend millions of dollars finding the perfect gift.
The Australian-first gift card reforms came into force on March 31, and are putting up to $60 million a year back in the hands of NSW shoppers.
“All mums deserve to be spoilt on Mother’s Day,” Mr Kean said.
“And what better way to treat your mum than through a gift card that gives her more freedom, and the luxury of time to spend it on something she really wants.
“My goal is to put consumers first, and these reforms do just that. This is a big win for families who can now enjoy more flexibility when cashing in their gift cards.”
Mr Kean welcomed the Commonwealth Government’s support of the reforms, with his Federal counterpart now also examining ways to improve gift cards.
Shoppers should also follow these simple Fair Trading tips and tricks when shopping for their mum this Mother’s Day:
- Do your homework before making a purchase and pay particular attention to the retailer’s refund policy, as a refund is not always guaranteed;
- Remember, under Australian Consumer Law, you are entitled to a repair, replacement or refund if the product is faulty, defective or not fit for purpose;
- Always keep your receipt as proof of purchase in case you need to address any concerns with the retailer; and,
- If you can’t reach a resolution directly with the retailer, you can lodge a written complaint with Fair Trading.
To learn more about consumer rights and gift card reform, visit www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
