Consumer Issues in Victorian Aboriginal Communities: Integrated Practice Project Report 2020
‘Consumer issues in Victorian Aboriginal communities’ reports findings from Consumer Action Law Centre’s (Consumer Action) and the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service’s (VALS) Integrated Practice project – a ground-breaking partnership that seeks to address unmet consumer credit and debt legal need in Victorian Aboriginal communities.
Over 12 months, we held community engagement sessions across the state, spoke to more than 500 community members, and took on more than 80 cases.
The report reveals how irresponsible lenders and funeral insurance companies are causing harm in Victorian Aboriginal communities, and highlights issues including:
- Predatory funeral insurance
- Utilities debt and disconnection
- Irresponsible lending, including by payday lenders
- Insurers and caryards mis-selling ’junk insurance’
- Unsolicited and high pressure selling
- Telecommunication retailers mis-selling expensive devices and plans
None of this would’ve been possible without those within communities who have demonstrated immense courage in sharing their stories with us. We would also like to acknowledge the Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations who work tirelessly for their communities and supported our work.
Read the full report here [PDF]
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