Short-Term Issues
Commerce Commission (Information Disclosure and Fees) Bill
Information sharing and providing investigative assistance by the Commerce Commission is part of the work programme endorsed by CER Ministers in September 2003. This work aims to increase coordination of competition and consumer law between Australia and New Zealand. Increased cooperation between the Commission and Australian Competition and Consumer Commission was also recommended by the Australian Productivity Commission, in its 2004 Report on the Australian and New Zealand Competition and Consumer Protection Regimes, as a way of bringing the two regimes closer together.
A draft Commerce Commission (Information Disclosure and Fees) Bill has been prepared for the Minister of Commerce to introduce to the House as soon as possible. This will amend the Commerce Act, the Fair Trading Act and the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act. It provides for information- sharing and investigative assistance between the Commerce Commission and overseas competition, fair trading and consumer finance regulators. The Bill will also provide for information sharing between the Commerce Commission and other domestic regulators. The fees referred to in the Bill relate to adjudication fees, which are part of the Commerce Act only.
Motor Vehicle Sales Act 2003
The Act specifically requires the Consumer Affairs Ministry to review and report (by 15 December 2005) on the operation of the new Act and make recommendations on whether any amendments are necessary.
In preparing the report, the Ministry is required to consult with interested parties, including representatives of consumer interests. The Act's primary operational aspects, and therefore the review's focus, are the registration of motor vehicle traders, consumer information requirements under the Supplier Information Notice and dispute resolution under the Motor Vehicles Disputes Tribunal.
Weights and Measures Act Amendments
The Statutes Amendment Bill (No.5) currently contains six amendments to the Weights and Measures Act 1987. These proposed changes stem from a review of the Trade Measurement and Accreditation Scheme in 2004 and also seek to address minor inconsistencies identified in the Act.
The Bill had its first reading in the week of 4 to 8 April 2005 and was referred to the Government Administration Committee. The Committee advertised for public submissions, and none was received on the Weights and Measures Act changes.
The Bill is currently on the legislative programme for progression through the House.
Review of Targeted Programmes
As outlined earlier in this briefing, a recent review of targeted programmes conducted by the State Services Commission resulted in Cabinet agreeing that the current range of targeted information programmes this Ministry provided was appropriate, and directed it to report to the Minister of Consumer Affairs:
- by 30 November 2005, on how the information needs of vulnerable groups of consumers will be met
- by 31 March 2006, on how better to meet the consumer information needs of Pacific peoples and how this might be resourced
These reports will also advise whether appropriate initiatives are able to be addressed within baseline or whether additional funding is sought.
Minister of Consumer Affairs Appointees on Industry Dispute Resolution Schemes
The terms of office of the representatives appointed by the Minister of Consumer Affairs to the Insurance and Savings Ombudsman Scheme and the Electricity and Gas Complaints Commission have recently expired. A paper will be forwarded shortly recommending appointees. It is appropriate that you obtain Cabinet agreement to the appointments.
Enforcing Consumer Protection Law
A discussion document comparing New Zealand's redress and enforcement provisions under the Fair Trading Act and the Consumer Guarantees Act with provisions in other similar legislation is currently being completed. It is proposed to include in the document a foreword from the Minister of Consumer Affairs. A paper will be prepared for you to take to Cabinet seeking approval to release the discussion paper and for the Ministry to call for submissions.
KiwiSaver: Financial Literacy Campaign to Support Informed Choice
As directed by Cabinet, officials are currently developing initiatives for promoting financial education to enable the public to make informed choices regarding KiwiSaver and the alternatives. A submission will be made in October to release funds allocated in the contingency fund for 2005/2006. (It may be necessary to seek to have some of this contingency funding transferred to 2006/2007.) This will enable the campaign to be developed and timed appropriately with Inland Revenue's campaign specifically promoting the KiwiSaver scheme.
When more specific details of the proposed promotion have been developed, a further funding bid will be required in the 2006 Budget to release funds set aside for 2006/2007 and outyears.
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