Dr Jackie Blue welcomes bill to protect consumers

National MP Dr Jackie Blue welcomes news that her bill to address inconsistencies in the Consumer Guarantees Act will be introduced to Parliament.

The Consumer Guarantees Amendment Bill would improve the operation of the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 in two areas - the supply of goods and services by suppliers through a competitive online bidding, and extended warranties.

“If you win a competitive online auction from a ‘professional trader/seller’ or supplier you are not covered by the Consumers Guarantees Act. However, if you hit the ‘buy now button’ you are.

“This inconsistency needs to be clarified for consumers, particularly as competitive online sales have become increasingly popular.

“This bill will ensure that consumers purchasing goods from a supplier through online bidding will be covered by the Consumer Guarantees Act.”

“Extended warranties are typically sold to consumers when they buy electrical goods. Generally, these warranties offer no further protection beyond the rights and remedies consumers already have under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993,” Dr Blue says.

“This bill would mean that consumers would have to be told whether an extended warranty provides any benefit that is greater than that provided under the Act. The bill also provides for a cooling off period once an extended warranty has been purchased.”

Dr Blue’s Consumer Guarantees Amendment Bill was drawn from a ballot of MP bills at Parliament today.

ENDS

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