Legislative Council Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3) 51 3 Parliament of South Australia Legislative Council published Question Time Consumer Rights CONSUMER RIGHTS The Hon. I.K. HUNTER Legislative Council CONSUMER RIGHTS The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (15:18): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Consumer Affairs a question about consumer rights. Leave granted. The Hon. I.K. HUNTER Legislative Council The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: I have observed that, inexplicably, many people find shopping a pleasurable experience. Indeed, I know that some members of this chamber—past and present—greatly enjoy shopping. It is important therefore— The Hon. J.M. Gazzola Legislative Council The Hon. J.M. Gazzola: Name them! The Hon. I.K. HUNTER Legislative Council The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: I could but I will refrain. You can put your hand down now, Caroline! It is important therefore that shoppers are aware of their consumer rights so that their shopping excursions do not lead to distress and continue to provide them with a pleasure that is alas not one that I can derive from the experience. Will the minister advise the council on what is being done to provide consumers with information about their rights in relation to shopping? The Hon. G.E. GAGO Legislative Council Minister for State/Local Government Relations Minister for the Status of Women Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Government Enterprises Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Energy) (15:19): I thank the honourable member for his most important question and his ongoing interest in this very important policy area. I am pleased to announce the release of three new publications that will assist consumers in their purchasing decisions. Each year the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs receives around 175,000 calls from consumers wanting to find out their rights in relation to a range of issues, including purchasing goods and services and renting property. Often the information provided will help to resolve the issue, but there are many cases where it is evident that consumers are either not well informed about their basic consumer rights or are not confident in asserting their rights. Knowledge is such an empowerment tool, and it is important that consumers are well equipped with sound information to make decisions before they arise. In an effort to reach consumers who are particularly at risk of not knowing or understanding their rights, OCBA has produced a new suite of publications which provide basic information on topical consumer issues. There are three versions: one for indigenous consumers, one for people with low literacy level and the third version for people from non-English speaking backgrounds, including migrants and refugees. The information in each of these booklets is presented in a simple format, with illustrations to help convey the message. The booklets address a range of issues, including refunds, lay-bys, warranties, buying a mobile phone, scams, renting, getting a loan and buying a car. The state government is committed to protecting those in our community who are vulnerable due to a range of factors, including literacy and language barriers. A fourth version of the booklet is being tailored for indigenous consumers in remote areas, and it is planned that some sections of the booklet will be translated for people on the lands. This version will be accompanied by an audio CD with the text spoken by a translator. OCBA recognises that there are also many indigenous consumers who live in the metropolitan area or regional towns and who would benefit from information about their consumer rights. By making this new resource directly available to indigenous consumers it is hoped that it will increase the communities' level of awareness of their rights and what to do if they feel their consumer rights are not being honoured. The booklets will be distributed to a number of outlets, including information centres, government agencies, community organisations and schools with high numbers of students of non-English speaking backgrounds. A series of posters highlighting key messages has also been produced for display at locations where the brochures are available. When consumers are well informed of their rights they are more likely to make sensible purchasing decisions. The booklets encourage consumers to plan their purchases, to shop around, to compare prices and quality and to use credit wisely. If things do go wrong, it is important that consumers know where they can turn for help.