Consumer Protection WA is inviting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 16 and over to participate in a survey to share their experiences with buying goods and services.
The objective of the 'Aboriginal Consumers Count' survey is to gain a better understanding of the issues confronting Indigenous Australians and to identify any possibly unlawful conduct by traders that can be investigated.
Commerce Minister Sue Ellery said it is important for all Western Australians, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, to have access to useful information about their rights when it comes to buying goods and services, and if they are having issues as tenants.
"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Western Australia are encouraged to take the survey and have their voice heard. Through tailored and engaging educational programs and campaigns, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people throughout the State will be empowered to know their rights and where they can seek appropriate advice on how to resolve an issue," she said.
The survey includes questions relating to internet usage, concerns relating to scams, fake art, tenancy rights, shopping rights, buy now pay later products and more.
Consumer Protection says the data captured from the survey will be designed to inform the development of educational programs and campaigns to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within Western Australia to know their consumer rights and where they can seek appropriate advice on how to resolve an issue. Previous surveys were held in 2007 and 2015 with the 2015 survey finding there is a significant need within the Indigenous community to learn more about contracts, credit, debt, finance and scams.
In Western Australia, Consumer Protection already provides free advice to consumers across a range of areas including housing, shopping, motor vehicles, scams, and product safety. They are also able to help consumers resolve disputes with businesses, investigate complaints about unfair trading practices, and prosecute unlicensed traders.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Western Australia are encouraged to share their experiences and issues with buying goods, such as motor vehicles, and services, such as renting a home or lawn mowing.
The Aboriginal Consumers Count survey can be accessed by visiting http://www.dmirs.wa.gov.au/accs and will close on Friday 28 April 2023.
Businesses or organisations wishing to help spread the word about the survey can visit https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/consumer-protection/aboriginal-consumers-count for posters and more information.
