Page 4274 - Week 12 - Wednesday, 23 October 2019
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This motion also calls on the government to consider raising the ACAT jurisdictional limit for motor vehicles so that consumers such as the second-hand caravan and motorhome owners have the option of enforcing their rights via the tribunal, which is often the most cost-effective way of resolving disputes. Lastly, it suggests extending the cooling-off period from three days to seven days. While the ACT’s existing cooling-off period is considered pretty good all round—especially when you compare it to the one day offered in New South Wales—maybe it could be better. I know the Consumer Law Centre supports a lengthier time frame.
Buying a car—particularly if you are buying your first car, as many people are doing when they are buying a second-hand car—or, indeed, any vehicle is quite a heady experience. It is a big deal. Having a little more time to think about the decision you have made might be helpful, allowing people to talk with their friends and family and colleagues about what they have done and perhaps also to those who might have a bit of experience with motor vehicles and who might be able to advise them in the right direction to make sure it is really the right vehicle for them.
Jess, who I spoke about at the beginning of this speech, believes an expansion of consumer protections for those purchasing second-hand motor vehicles would be incredibly helpful so that consumers like her are not left to bear the full cost of major repairs for issues that should have been fixed or disclosed before the car was sold. Unfortunately, she was not covered by the consumer protections currently available, but others like her could be. I commend this motion to the Assembly.
MR WALL (Brindabella) (5.51): I rise to speak to Ms Cheyne’s motion. I must say that, to me and my Liberal colleagues, this is a perfect example of the lack of regard that those opposite have for the consequences of their thought bubbles for those who work in the automotive industry or know it best and the unintentional consequences that might be even more detrimental to those who they seek to champion.
In a climate where exorbitant commercial rates, lack of support and poor government decision-making occur at every turn, it is no wonder that ACT businesses are looking over the border as an alternative to the anti-business policies of ACT Labor. If they have not packed up and moved already, they are considering it.
Motions like this, and the inevitable legislative agenda set to follow, will only recklessly skew the balance that needs to be struck between consumer rights and the commercial reality of those who provide goods and services. I can guarantee you this, Madam Speaker: not one member opposite has had any conversations with the automotive industry prior to bringing this motion to this place—not one conversation with business owners, employers and those who contribute significantly to this town about the impact such changes would have on their business and their industry, and the inevitable poor consumer outcomes that would follow as a result.
I can understand the frustration for someone when things go wrong. We all know someone who purchased something and did not quite get what they had hoped for. The joy of buying a car can turn quickly into frustration if the car turns out to be what is commonly referred to as a lemon. There are things that can be done to improve
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