Consultation begins on proposed SA consumer protection reforms

Members of the public are being encouraged to have their say on proposed consumer protection reforms, including measures aimed at cracking down on ticket scalpers.

As the Government prepares regulations to govern proposed tougher anti-scalping laws, feedback is being sought on how aspects of the laws will operate in practice.

Commissioner for Consumer Affairs Dini Soulio said feedback would help guide the proposed new anti-scalping laws, which include penalties of up to $20,000 for an individual and $100,000 for corporations that engage in the practice.

“There are a number of issues that need to be considered in looking at how these laws will operate in practice,” he said.

“This includes a possible cap on tickets that can be purchased to an event at any one time, possible exemptions to the new requirements and whether legitimate ticket re-sellers can recoup administrative or transaction costs associated with their original purchase.”

The Government is also seeking feedback from the public on exemptions to laws that will require a minimum three-year expiry date on most gift cards sold in South Australia.

Proposed exemptions include:

Reloadable pre-paid cards, such as mobile phone recharge cards
Credit and debit cards
Cards or vouchers that are only redeemable for phone credit, internet access or other utilities, such as iTunes cards.
“I would encourage members of the public to have their say on how we can ensure these reforms better protect consumers while remaining common-sense and practical,” Mr Soulio said.

To comment on gift card exemptions, head to yoursay.sa.gov.au/gift-cards and to comment on anti-scalping reforms, head to yoursay.sa.gov.au/ticket-scalping.

Public comment is open until 5pm, July 20 for both reforms.