Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Nearly 600, 000 Victorians received free advice on consumer issues last financial year, Consumer Affairs Minister Tony Robinson said.

Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) received 599,112 calls and about 50,000 consumers visited CAV centres across Victoria in 2008-09 in relation to a range of issues including renting, building, credit, faulty goods and refunds.

“We are Victoria’s leading consumer protection agency and we are committed to ensuring consumers are aware of their rights and obligations by providing a free advice and conciliation service,” Mr Robinson said.

“These services are available to help consumers and traders avoid or overcome disputes when they arise”.

CAV also conducted more than 2,115 workshops and activities within the regional and metropolitan communities, these included tenant and landlord workshops, indigenous and multicultural activities and presentations for seniors.

The Victorian Government is committed to make sure all Victorians, no matter where they live, have access to the supportive consumer services provided by CAV.

Many Victorians turned to CAV for guidance on bond claims, non-urgent repairs not carried out by landlords, rent increases and lease terminations.

During the last financial year CAV, inspectors also conducted 8,345 tenancy inspections.

Furthermore, CAV recovered more than $5.17 million for Victorians through dispute resolution.

“CAV’s dispute resolution service provides consumers and traders with the opportunity to negotiate and conciliate in a co-operative way and is a better alternative than legal action,” Mr Robinson said.

In addition to the cases solved through dispute resolution, CAV also finalised more than 70 matters in the courts and tribunals, resulting in $3.9 million in compensation for the victims.

“CAV promotes and enforces compliance with consumer laws and offers a cost-effective and fair dispute resolution service to consumers,” he said.

The Victorian government urges consumers to use CAV’s services if they need assistance. CAV offers specialist services for indigenous consumers and callers from multicultural backgrounds.

CAV’s contact centre is supported by a network of offices in Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Mildura, Morwell, Wangaratta, Warrnambool, as well as the Victorian Consumer and Business Centre at 113 Exhibition St, Melbourne.

Consumers can seek advice and assistance from Consumer Affairs Victoria by visiting a regional office or the Melbourne CBD office, calling 1300 55 81 81 or visiting the website at www.consumer.vic.gov.au

The top five enquiries for 2008-09 financial year include:

1. General Consumer advice
2. Residential Tenancies Bond Authority
3. Renting
4. Business registration
5. Business licensing