ACCC’s decision on first super complaint ‘shows the system works’ says Consumer Action
Consumer Action Law Centre CEO, Stephanie Tonkin says she is thrilled by the decision of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to launch a detailed review into the national impact and harms of unsolicited selling, consultation which opens today.
“This decision by our national, economy-wide regulator shows the dynamic power of the ‘designated complaint’ super-complaint process in action,” Ms Tonkin said.
In its complaint, Consumer Action recommended that the Government legislate a complete ban on unsolicited selling under Australian Consumer Law (ACL), along with the regulatory reform of lead generation practices.
“Unsolicited sales are tricky as they happen out of sight, most often in regional areas, where people are persuaded to sign up in their homes for very expensive products they can’t afford, but are pressured into purchasing. Nothing short of a complete ban of these practices will fix this problem,” she said.
“Today, we are hearing about the unsolicited door-to-door selling and telemarketing of many items, most notably, solar panels -in the past it was encyclopedias and educational software- it’s an ongoing systemic issue that impacts thousands of Australians and causes real harm especially to those living in vulnerable circumstances.
“By submitting the very first designated complaint, we’ve been able to shine a light on a relatively hidden practice that’s harmful to thousands of Australian consumers, and for that I want to thank the Albanese Government for its foresight,” she said.
“I encourage people who have been impacted by unsolicited selling to come forward to share their stories with the inquiry to help get this practice banned for once and for all.”
Consumer advocates across the country have been fighting for a ban on unsolicited selling for more than twenty years. The designated complaint process has brought light and another avenue for reform, to this serious issue which impacts thousands of Australians every year and causes untold financial and emotional harm.
“The system is working and look forward to talking with Minister Andrew Leigh on resolving this issue and getting unsolicited selling banned,” Ms Tonkin said.
Read the full complaint.
VIDEO: Stephanie explains why unsolicited selling should be banned
ENDS
Media contact:
Mark Pearce mark@consumeraction.org.au Tel: 0413 299 567
