Consumer groups welcome South Australian crackdown on predatory lenders
Consumer groups have applauded the South Australian government’s plans to crackdown on payday lenders and consumer lease providers. The government’s proposed laws would introduce important consumer protections to help combat these high cost predatory lenders.
“Taking this step during the COVID crisis is the right move as it will help protect South Australians from exploitative credit and expensive leases for household products,” said Gerard Brody, CEO Consumer Action.
“Other state governments should follow the lead of South Australia and take the same steps to protect Australians from high cost credit.”
While encouraged by the South Australian government’s announcement, Mr Brody said it was very disappointing that a state government was delivering on reforms the Federal Government committed to more than 3 years ago.
“It’s been over 1300 days since the Federal Government said they would introduce these reforms, but it has failed to act. As we enter a recession, the need for laws that requires credit providers to play fair has never been greater.
“The delay in introducing legislation at a federal level leaves vulnerable Australians at risk. People are being harmed by these products that have already drawn many into a debt spiral,” Mr Brody said.
“Financial counsellors around Australia congratulate the South Australian Attorney-General on taking action. Every day that goes by means more people being trapped in debt. These laws will make that far less likely and can’t come soon enough,” said Fiona Guthrie, Chief Executive of Financial Counselling Australia.
“The Consumer Credit Law Centre SA (CCLCSA) welcomes the South Australian Attorney -General taking action to better regulate pay day loans and consumer leases in order to protect South Australians and calls on the Commonwealth to follow our Attorney-General’s lead,” said Belinda Lambert, Solicitor at the CCLCSA.
ENDS
Media contact: Mark Pearce, Media and Communications Adviser | Consumer Action Law Centre | 0413 299 567 | media@consumeraction.org.au
