From the Minister for Consumer Affairs

The Hon Michael O’Brien MLA

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Win against false hope cancer clinic

Friday, 11 May 2012

Minister for Consumer Affairs Michael O'Brien has welcomed a Court of Appeal decision that found that the Hope Clinic, an alternative medicine clinic, misled and deceived terminally ill cancer sufferers into believing its dubious and controversial...

Minister launches retirement village campaign

Thursday, 10 May 2012

Minister for Consumer Affairs Michael O'Brien launched two important publications for retirement village residents and operators at the Renaissance Living retirement village in Surrey Hills today.

Unregistered builder given 250 hours of community service

Friday, 04 May 2012

An unregistered builder who took nearly $18,000 from consumers after he abandoned two projects has been ordered to pay compensation and undertake 250 hours of community service.

Coalition Government supports Victoria’s most vulnerable consumers

Tuesday, 01 May 2012

Victorian consumers from vulnerable and disadvantaged communities will be supported by new funding agreements announced today by Consumer Affairs Minister Michael O'Brien.

Outcome of court proceedings brought against Mr Frank Cassar

Thursday, 26 Apr 2012

Minister for Consumer Affairs Michael O'Brien has welcomed the outcome of court action against a rogue rooming house operator.

Court rules on demands for payment by private car parks

Friday, 13 Apr 2012

Minister for Consumer Affairs Michael O'Brien has welcomed a Victorian Supreme Court decision that strengthens protections for consumers against private car park operators who use misleading tactics.

Stevie’s scam school educates small businesses

Tuesday, 20 Mar 2012

Minister for Consumer Affairs Michael O'Brien has marked National Consumer Fraud Week by launching a new initiative to help small businesses arm themselves against scammers.

Minister marks World Consumer Rights Day

Thursday, 15 Mar 2012

Victorians are being encouraged to use World Consumer Rights Day to learn more about their rights, Minister for Consumer Affairs Michael O'Brien said today.

Free financial help for Melbourne’s refugee community

Wednesday, 29 Feb 2012

Members of the Burmese, Chin and Karen communities will get free advice on how to manage their bills and expenses under the first 'Bring Your Bank Account Day' this Friday, Minister for Consumer Affairs Michael O'Brien said today.

Victorian Government delivers on liquor reform

Sunday, 19 Feb 2012

The Victorian Government is delivering on its election commitment to deliver a system of responsible liquor licensing contributing to a vibrant and safe community in Victoria, with a number of reforms coming into effect from this week, Minister for...

Online dating scams warning for St Valentine’s Day

Tuesday, 14 Feb 2012

Minister for Consumer Affairs Michael O'Brien has reminded Victorians to be vigilant about romance scams when using online dating sites this St Valentine's Day.

New era for liquor and gambling regulation in Victoria

Monday, 06 Feb 2012

Victoria's new combined gambling and liquor regulator was launched today by Minister for Gaming and Consumer Affairs Michael O'Brien with the six inaugural commissioners.

Station receives $200,000 heritage boost

Tuesday, 17 Jan 2012

Yarra Glen Railway Station has received a $200,000 heritage grant, Minister for Consumer Affairs Michael O'Brien and Member for Seymour Cindy McLeish announced today.

Victorian consumers urged to learn more about their rights and avoid problems

Sunday, 25 Dec 2011

Victorian consumers are the best-informed when it comes to knowledge of consumer protection laws but continue to experience problems in a number of sectors, Consumer Affairs Minister Michael O'Brien said today.

Modern gambling and liquor regulator one step closer with new commissioners appointed

Friday, 23 Dec 2011

Minister for Gaming and Consumer Affairs Michael O'Brien today announced the appointment of six inaugural commissioners to Victoria's new combined gambling and liquor regulator, the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation.

Reforms to Australian Consumer Law don’t go far enough

Wednesday, 21 Dec 2011

Recently-approved changes to Section 86 of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) are a step in the right direction but do not yet strike the right balance for businesses and consumers, Minister for Consumer Affairs Michael O'Brien said today.

Victorian Coalition Government takes action on sex trafficking

Thursday, 08 Dec 2011

The Victorian Coalition Government has responded positively to the Parliamentary Drugs and Crime Prevention Committee's Inquiry into People Trafficking for Sex Work, Consumer Affairs Minister Michael O'Brien said today.

Minister helps in pre-Christmas crunch as dangerous toys destroyed

Tuesday, 06 Dec 2011

Family and friends buying toys for children this Christmas should always put safety first, Consumer Affairs Minister Michael O'Brien said today.

Minister for Consumer Affairs and Christine Fyffe congratulate young consumer champions

Wednesday, 30 Nov 2011

Minister for Consumer Affairs Michael O'Brien and Member for Evelyn Christine Fyffe have congratulated Victorian students for their creative entries in the annual Consumer Stuff Challenge, a key part of the Consumer Education in...

Victorians warned on certificate scam

Thursday, 10 Nov 2011

Victorians wanting to obtain a copy of official documents such as birth, death and marriage certificates have been warned not to be conned by shonky companies charging a fee to fill in an application on their behalf or offer a priority service.