Consumer issues including scams, unscrupulous door- to-door sellers, and discrimination in the housing market headline some of the key priority areas in the National Indigenous Consumer Strategy (NICS) Action Plan 2017–2019.

NICS members are the ACCC, ASIC, state consumer affairs agencies and the Indigenous Consumer Action Network (ICAN). We work together to ensure that issues affecting Indigenous Australians are given a priority within each of our agencies and organisations.

Consumer Affairs Australia New Zealand (CAANZ) recently endorsed the three-year NICS Action Plan, which includes priority areas such as:

  • trading practices with a focus on door-to-door and telemarketing
  • scam practices with a focus on improving consumer awareness of scams
  • consumer-directed care focusing on the NDIS and increasing consumers’ awareness of their rights
  • motor vehicles focusing on consumer and dealer rights and obligations

“The rules that regulate traders and service providers need to be fair and responsive to the needs of Indigenous people. The ACCC looks forward to working with other NICS members to deliver the priorities outlined in the action plan,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.

“The ACCC has been active in the Indigenous consumer protection space for many years including through recent initiatives like the “Do Not Knock informed” communities program and various enforcement actions.”

“Our challenge in the next three years is to deliver real results through the NICS Action Plan, it’s a challenge we’re proud to be part of and eager to take on,” Ms Rickard said.

The full National Indigenous Consumer Strategy Action Plan 2017–2019 is available online.

Background

In 2002, senior officials of the relevant agencies now known as CAANZ participated in a number of workshops in response to concerns about the disadvantages experienced by Indigenous consumers in their dealings with traders. Subsequently, the concept of a national plan was developed, which became known as the National Indigenous Consumer Strategy.

NICS Action Plans are revised every four years and have continued to be implemented in all states and territories. This plan is the fourth iteration of the ‘Taking action, gaining trust’ National Indigenous Consumer Strategy.