A new mechanism adopted by Consumer Protection is expected to make it easier for national changes to consumer laws to be quickly reflected in State laws.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Gary Newcombe said consumers and businesses would benefit from the amendments to the Fair Trading Act that kept the State’s Australian Consumer Law (ACL) in line with its Federal equivalent, offering a consistent national approach to regulation to protect consumers.
“The changes will be automatic,” Mr Newcombe said.
“However, there will be an option for the changes to be reviewed by a Parliamentary Committee and disallowed by Parliament if any concerns are raised,” he said.
“Prior to this mechanism being in place, delays and short-term discrepancies would disadvantage some small businesses and their customers as well as creating confusion and inconsistencies for national traders.”
Mr Newcombe emphasised the importance of State consumer laws reflecting the national ACL.
“All WA consumers and businesses will be able to enjoy the rights and protections that are currently available to those in the Eastern States,” he said.
“It’s important that regulators keep up with the latest consumer trends while tackling issues that arise in the Australian marketplace, and to reduce unnecessary red tape for businesses by not requiring them to comply with different laws in different States.”
