A historic opportunity to enact a stronger consumer-focused agenda say advocates
Consumer advocates have congratulated the Albanese Government on its emphatic re-election victory and called for it to seize the moment to govern with an even stronger consumer-focused agenda in its second term.
“The election was fought over cost-of-living issues and Australians have given the Albanese Government a clear mandate to pass long awaited consumer reforms to ease cost-of living stresses and ensure businesses treat consumers fairly,” said Stephanie Tonkin, Consumer Action law Centre CEO.
“This is a historic opportunity to introduce relief for cost-of living pressures in essential services like energy and telcos, quickly implement laws to stamp out the scourge of scams, make lending safer, and address systemic issues in the insurance industry, and make economic prosperity of First Nations communities a priority,” she said.
Quote attributable to Dr Domenique Merrick, co-CEO of Financial Counselling Australia:
“Financial counsellors work with people in our community experiencing financial difficultly every day. The government has a clear mandate to continue to improve financial outcomes for these vulnerable people and to better resource those who support them.”
Quote attributable to Erin Turner, CEO Consumer Policy Research Centre:
“The government now has an opportunity to act on important reforms to make markets fairer, more affordable and safer for consumers. The Albanese Government has already committed to a ban on unfair business practices – now is the time to deliver.
“Consumer Policy Research Centre’s modelling shows that a ban on unfair business practices will stop consumers from losing at least $46 million per year just from stopping subscription traps.”
Quote attributable to Carol Bennett, CEO Australian Communications Consumer Action Network:
“ACCAN congratulates the Albanese government for its resounding election win and looks forward to seeing major communications legislation and reform progressed in this term of parliament.
“Communications is an essential service and should be appropriately legislated to ensure vulnerable Australians are not left behind when it comes to access and affordability, while ensuring that Australia is able to grasp opportunities to strengthen our economic and social wellbeing. We are keen to see the government finalise its critical reform agenda in areas such as consumer protection, safety net obligations of telcos, digital inclusion policy and affordability including a concessional internet product.”
ENDS
Media contact: Mark Pearce, Media and Communications Adviser, 0413 299 567, media@consumeraction.org.au
