CONSUMER PROTECTION

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA (16:55): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Consumer Affairs a question about future directions for consumer protection.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA: Businesses, consumers and governments need to ensure that they can respond to new and emerging consumer protection needs. As you know, Mr President, there are a variety of mechanisms, including legislation and self-regulation, that are designed to address consumer protection issues. Will the minister advise the council what is being done to promote national and international perspectives of consumer policy?

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) (16:56): South Australians can expect in the future far stronger consumer protection relating to product safety, unfair contracts and payday lending after national and international experts hotly debate ideas in Adelaide.

These matters are included on the national consumer law agenda, with detailed policy approaches to be influenced during the 2009 National Consumer Congress, hosted by the South Australian Office of Consumer and Business Affairs. The National Consumer Congress will be held from 11 to 13 March.

Nationally, consumer law is undergoing significant change, and this congress is set to contribute to the positive outcomes these changes hope to achieve. Product safety is to be coordinated nationally, providing for closer scrutiny and follow-up. Tighter regulation of the credit industry is now being formulated to put dramatic pressure on payday lenders in a bid to stamp out unconscionable conduct. Unfair contracts legislation will pave the way to change the unreasonable terms of a contract or even void it altogether. As recently as this morning the federal Assistant Treasurer, Chris Bowen, announced the release of a consultation paper to look at addressing unfair contract terms.

The reform of consumer law in Australia is gaining momentum, and this congress will be an exciting opportunity for consumer leaders from Asia, Europe and the UK to join their Australian counterparts from the industry, academia and national consumer groups to influence that change.

Some of the brightest and best consumer professionals in the nation, as well as those from around the world, are being attracted to the theme 'A fair marketplace?', and we hope that it will inspire discussion about fostering a fair marketplace in a changing global environment.

Our guest speakers are eminent heads of their professions, and this is a fantastic opportunity for South Australia to really tap into cutting edge thinking. The congress will encompass a series of presentations and debates around this year's theme, and it will also address current consumer issues, such as sustainability and consumer and business ethics. I look forward to participating in this congress and hearing the views of the consumer professionals who will be attending that forum.