Dr. Jacobs questions the effectiveness of the Consumer Affairs Act 1971, specifically regarding the $40,000 threshold limiting the Commissioner's ability to act on behalf of consumers in misleading or deceptive behaviour cases. The Minister acknowledges the issue and anticipates a report recommending an increase to the threshold.

AnsweredQoN 1165Legislative Assembly
Asked
9 May 2006
Portfolio
Consumer Protection

QuestionView source ↗

In reference to powers under section 18 of the
Consumer Affairs Act 1971
, I ask –
(1) How many cases has the Commissioner for Consumer Affairs acted for in Court in the last five years?
(2) In representing the consumers, how many cases deemed to be of misleading or deceptive behaviour, were thwarted by the $40,000 threshold?
(3) What does the Minister intend to do about the $40,000 threshold in the legislation to make the Department of Consumer Affairs more than a ‘toothless tiger’?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
30 May 2006
Responded by
Minister for Consumer Protection
Response time
21 days
(2) None. (3) As previously advised, I am expecting to receive a report on the review of the Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading Acts in June 2006. That report will recommend an increase in the existing $40,000 threshold. I will make a decision once I receive the final report.
(3) As previously advised, I am expecting to receive a report on the review of the Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading Acts in June 2006. That report will recommend an increase in the existing $40,000 threshold. I will make a decision once I receive the final report.

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