Consumer Action calls for strong -world beating- Scams Prevention Framework as draft codes land
Consumer Action Law Centre has welcomed the latest consultation on the Federal Government’s Scams Prevention Framework (SPF), announced Friday by Assistant Treasurer Dr Daniel Mulino MP, saying Australians have waited far too long for action.
CEO Stephanie Tonkin said the release is “better late than never,” but stressed that delay has left countless Australians exposed to avoidable financial harm – with Scamwatch data showing scam losses have increased by 16% this year.
“We’ve waited a long time for any movement on the implementation of the Scam Prevention Framework, meanwhile thousands of people have paid the price in lost savings and shattered confidence,” Ms Tonkin said.
“It’s better late than never—but these materials also show how much work there is still to do to deliver meaningful scam protections for Australians.
“We’ll be making a detailed submission because final SPF obligations must be strong, enforceable and effective and dispute resolution systems must put consumers at their centre.”
The consultation papers also reveal that the full framework and scams intelligence won’t be online until the end of 2027 (assuming it’s not delayed further). “The public has every right to be concerned; it did not endorse such a delay when welcoming the SPF at the beginning of this year,” she said.
Crucially, Consumer Action insists that the final framework must guarantee real redress for victims when businesses fail to meet their obligations.
“For far too long, scam victims in Australia have been left to pick up the pieces on their own. That era must be brought to an end, and it stands to reason that if industries don’t take reasonable steps to prevent scams, people deserve their money back—full stop,” Ms Tonkin added.
Ms Tonkin said community expectations demand nothing less as the menacing scourge of AI-powered scams grows.
Consumer Action will closely analyse the draft materials and lodge a comprehensive submission to ensure the Government, and Dr Mulino, deliver a Scams Prevention Framework that finally offers Australians the protection and accountability they deserve.
ENDS
Media contact: Mark Pearce mark@consumeraction.org.au Tel: 0413 299 567
