The Andrews Labor Government today launched the Consumer Policy Research Centre, a new broad-based research centre to help drive policy development and better protect consumers.
Minister for Consumer Affairs Marlene Kairouz announced funding for the $4.95 million not-for-profit Centre, which will:
- undertake research and policy development on consumer protection issues for the public benefit
- monitor grassroots consumer issues, focusing on issues for disadvantaged consumers, and regional and rural Victorians
The Centre has begun work to develop a research program focused on Australian Consumer Law and the state’s other fair trading legislation.
It will research the Victorian consumer property sector including the areas of estate agents, owners corporations, conveyancers and the sale of land.
The Centre replaces the Consumer Utilities Advocacy Centre, with responsibilities for consumer utilities policy transferred to the Centre.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Consumer Affairs Marlene Kairouz
“The Consumer Policy Research Centre will research issues important to Victorian consumers, like property, which the Government will use to develop policies that better protect them.”
“Victoria’s disadvantaged consumers will benefit from the work of the Consumer Policy Research Centre, which will focus its work on issues they face.”
Quotes attributable to Chair of Consumer Policy Research Centre Ronda Held
“I welcome the evolution of the Centre and look forward to collaborative relationships with stakeholders, researchers and government to deliver lasting public benefits to consumers.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020