Consumer Affairs Victoria last week launched the new Be Smart – Buy Smart booklet that provides helpful information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers about their shopping rights and responsibilities.
Consumer Affairs Victoria Director Claire Noone said the booklet also has tips to help prevent unfair treatment when shopping.
“We want to ensure Koori consumers understand their legal rights and obligations and protect them against unfair trading practices,” Dr Noone said.
“We hope that by following the booklet’s advice, Koori consumers will get a fair go when shopping – saving them time, money and trouble.”
The booklet covers shopping rights, credit and book up, refunds, guarantees and warranties, lay-by, contracts, scams, resolving issues and lodging a complaint.
The project is a joint consumer awareness initiative by all state and territory consumer protection agencies in Australia, with support from the National Indigenous Consumer Strategy Reference Group.
“Consumer protection agencies across Australia are taking a proactive step to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers on consumer rights and obligations and to improve the behaviour of traders in the marketplace,” Dr Noone said.
Download a copy of Be Smart – Buy Smart.
It will also be distributed through the agency’s regional and metropolitan offices in Barwon South West, Gippsland, Grampians, Hume and Loddon Mallee.