Vulnerable consumers will be better protected thanks to new resources explaining their rights in the marketplace as part of Fair Trading Week.
Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean and Minister for Disability Services and Multiculturalism Ray Williams launched the project today that will boost support for cultural and linguistically diverse consumers, as well as people with disabilities.
Mr Kean said the My Consumer Rights resources feature a storybook and animated videos on DVD in 11 community languages.
“Many vulnerable consumers may not have the skills and confidence necessary to make fully informed purchases and I don’t want to see them getting taken for a ride,” he said.
“I’m putting consumers first, and want to ensure they’re better protected in the marketplace, so they know what to look out for and what to do if something goes wrong.”
Mr Williams said the project focusses on six features of the Australian Consumer Law, including: consumer rights; refunds; guarantees and warranties; lay-by; contracts; and resolving issues.
“Our comprehensive consumer protection laws are designed to protect everyone, despite background or circumstance, but for people living with disability or from a diverse cultural background, gaining this knowledge can be difficult,” he said.
“These innovative resources have been designed to help some of our most vulnerable consumers, including newly arrived migrants, people with low literacy skills, and people with a disability.”
The event also featured the signing of partnership certificates with ThinkSmart community service providers, multicultural media and Minister Kean.
“We will continue to work closely with community organisations on the front line, which is crucial to the ongoing success of this program,” Mr Kean said.
The Ministers also launched four consumer rights postcards and a contract checklist.
My Consumer Rights will be available on the Fair Trading website at fairtrading.nsw.gov.au. It is available in Arabic, Assyrian, Dari, Dinka, English, Farsi/Persian, Karen, Korean, Mandarin, Nepalese, Tamil and Vietnamese.
