Disability Services

Ms BEDFORD (Florey) (14:13): My question as to the Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs. How is the government improving consumer protection for people with a disability?

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The Minister for Health and the Treasurer are called to order for—

The Hon. A. Koutsantonis interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Well, it may be a rich lode, but they will not engage in conversation across the chamber with the Leader of the Opposition. Minister.

The Hon. J.R. RAU (Enfield—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General, Minister for Justice Reform, Minister for Planning, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Child Protection Reform, Minister for the Public Sector, Minister for Consumer and Business Services, Minister for the City of Adelaide) (14:13): Thank you very much, Mr Speaker, and I thank the member for her question. The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates that there are approximately 4.2 million people living with a disability in Australia. It is important that people living with a disability have a sound understanding of their rights and obligations under the Australian consumer law and other consumer protection legislation. This applies particularly in relation to consumer transactions that are high cost, contractually complex or represent a significant long-term investment.

I am pleased to report to the house that Consumer and Business Services, in conjunction with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, have developed three new guidelines to assist these individuals in navigating the scheme. In addition to empowering consumers to understand their rights and make informed and confident purchasing decisions, the project also aims to educate businesses about their obligations to consumers.

The resources that have been developed include, 'Your consumer rights—a guide for consumers with a disability', an Easy English Guide which is designed for people with language difficulties, and a guide to competition and consumer law for businesses who often supply goods or services to consumers with a disability, and a fact sheet, including a snapshot on legal rights. These resources are hosted on the ACCC's website and are available as a printable PDF and Word document.

The ACCC website also features a screen reader or, alternatively, users can use a reader of their preference. In addition, hard copies of the guides are also being distributed to disability advocates and organisations across Australia to disseminate to their clients. Advice featured in the guides includes requesting evidence when businesses make fanciful claims about products or try to pressure the consumer into purchasing a more expensive product, comparing offers and carefully considering whether a product or service will be suitable for a consumer's needs, taking into account their particular disability.

The guides have been developed by commonwealth, state and territory consumer protection agencies and will be an invaluable resource to consumers, traders, community organisations, carers and support networks that work with people with a disability.