DEBT COLLECTORS

In reply to the Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (25 November 2008).

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):

1. In 2007-08 the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs (OCBA) received five complaints concerning debt collectors. Similar low numbers have also been recorded in the past few years.

2. No.

3. OCBA has a variety of publications and information on its website that explores both consumer and trader's rights and obligations under consumer law.

The Fair Trading Act 1987 (the Act), that is under my administration provides penalties for debt collectors or their agents who engage in conduct that is contrary to the provisions under the Act. Such misconduct could include harassment for payment of a debt that is not owed or even where a debt collector falsely represents that criminal or other proceedings will apply for non payment of a debt.