James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

While the government agrees with the need to protect consumers and the sentiment of the motion, more work is needed before legislation can be considered. This work may include the matter being considered by the Legislative and Governance Forum on Consumer Affairs, which consists of all Commonwealth, state, territory and New Zealand ministers responsible for fair trading and consumer protection laws. This group is consulted and its approval must be given for changes to the Australian Consumer Law. The Minister for Small Business has asked Treasury to provide advice on this issue, including whether current provisions of the Australian Consumer Law or other relevant laws may assist or whether new legislation is required. The minister has met with consumer groups, including Keep Me Posted, on this matter on numerous occasions and is happy to discuss the process and advise senators in the near future.