National Indigenous Consumer Strategy

The Hon. T.T. NGO (15:08): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Business Services and Consumers a question about the National Indigenous Consumer Strategy.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.T. NGO: I understand that the government recently launched the National Indigenous Consumer Strategy (NICS) Action Plan 2014-16 in South Australia. Can the minister tell the chamber about the development and purpose of the action plan?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Business Services and Consumers) (15:09): I thank the honourable member for his important question. The National Indigenous Consumer Strategy (NICS) Action Plan has been developed to ensure that Australia's performance in Indigenous consumer affairs is continually improved, and that beneficial outcomes for Indigenous consumers are achieved.

The 2014-16 action plan has been developed by the National Indigenous Consumer Strategy's Reference Group, and that comprises representatives from the commonwealth, state and territory consumer protection agencies. This is the third NICS action plan that has been developed since the first plan, which was released in 2003. Consumer agencies, including Consumer and Business Services (CBS), recognise that such issues as the rules regulating traders and service providers need to be fair and responsive to the needs of Indigenous people.

Cultural and operational changes are required within consumer agencies to respond to inquires from Aboriginal consumers in the most effective way, and it is important for consumer agencies to continue to advocate on behalf of Aboriginal consumers and empower them and the community. Although jurisdictions have differing priorities, the action plan will be a template for action to improve Aboriginal consumer awareness.

The launch of the 2014-16 action plan in South Australia comes shortly after the release of the Deadly Dollars, Something for Nothing DVD by the South Australian government in August. The DVD was specifically designed for consumers living on the APY lands and warns of sharp, unscrupulous business practices that target particularly members of remote communities, and also follows the national launch by consumer protection agencies of the Be smart—buy smart booklet in March, which provides helpful tips and information for Aboriginal consumers about their shopping rights and responsibilities under the Australian Consumer Law.

The action plan for 2014-16 identifies four national priorities, the first being trading practices, things like unsolicited sales, misleading promotional activities and book up. The second is housing, things like tenancy rights and responsibilities. The third is consumer awareness, consumer rights, financial literacy, knowledge of consumer services and things like complaint processes, and the fourth relates to contracts, so understanding things like terms and conditions and the implications of entering into a contract.

CBS will be conducting a number of activities over the next couple of years to support each of the four priority areas, including visits to the APY lands, hosting information stalls at events for Aboriginal consumers and working with community organisations to deliver consumer education programs. I am advised that CBS will provide a copy of the 2014-16 action plan to relevant stakeholders to assure them of CBS' support and commitment to Indigenous consumers and also to invite them to partner with CBS in implementing specific consumer protection programs.

I commend the consumer affairs agencies on producing this latest national consumer strategy action plan. This initiative demonstrates Australia's commitment to ensure that all consumers understand their rights and are protected from unfair business practices. Every consumer, as we know, has the right to be protected equally under the Australian Consumer Law.