Partnership to bring better outcomes for Indigenous consumers
Posted by editor (editor) on Mar 03 2010
2010 >>

Fair Trading has joined forces with a Cairns Indigenous consumer group to give remote far north communities a dedicated person to turn to on consumer issues.

Fair Trading Minister Peter Lawlor said the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) would partner with the Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN) and deploy specially trained officers in Yarrabah and Palm Island.

"Remote Indigenous communities can often be the target of unscrupulous businesses due to their isolation and lack of marketplace competitiveness," Mr Lawlor said.

"Just last week for example hundreds of far north Queenslanders entered into costly and unfair contracts after a household goods rental firm door-knocked local homes.

"Consumers have extra rights when approached by door-to-door sellers and they also have other options to get household goods without incurring a debt for years – however, these are the type of things that people might not always be aware of.

"In this recent case, ICAN was able to pass on information direct from the affected consumers. OFT then investigated and got the firm to cancel all 800 of the rental contracts and pay back in excess of $13,000 it had obtained from residents."

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Member for Cairns Desley Boyle said the Indigenous community did not traditionally lodge consumer complaints direct to OFT or pass on information when things go wrong.

"We need to change this situation which is why seven ICAN staff are being trained on fair trading matters. They'll work on the ground within the community and be armed with even more knowledge and skills to help protect the rights of residents, and where necessary pass on information to OFT for enforcement action," Ms Boyle said.

Manager of OFT’s Far North regional office, Len Curran said the trained staff would go to Yarrabah and Palm Island and discuss locals' concerns, advise them on their consumer rights and where to go for help.

"This will be a boost to OFT's resources in North Queensland and help to ensure Indigenous consumer issues receive the same support as others," Mr Curran said.

ICAN chief executive officer Aaron Davis said the ICAN staff would become the 'eyes and ears' and a go-to person on consumer issues.

"We'll educate residents on things like managing finances, and they can come to us to help resolve issues, investigate matters and pass on information to the OFT," Mr Davis said.

"Our staff will also gather early intelligence so we can try to put a stop to any dodgy activity as soon as possible and they'll talk to businesses in town about their responsibilities.

"Having a stronger relationship with the OFT will help bring better results for consumers."

The OFT has provided funding for the ICAN services for two years as part of its 2009-10 Indigenous Strategy.

The Strategy also includes an Indigenous consumer campaign called 'Know Your Rights' starting in March.

"Ads will appear in radio and print publications over coming months to inform Indigenous consumers of the type of support OFT provides."

For more information about the Office of Fair Trading visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or about ICAN www.ican.org.au

Last changed: Mar 03 2010 at 1:49 PM