Unconscionable Conduct and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers : Research Report

Description

This research was undertaken in response to ongoing complaints received by the Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN) about traders behaving unfairly and unconscionably in their dealings with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people throughout Northern Queensland. In particular, it was apparent that certain traders would deliberately set about targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, in regional centres and in remote communities, with a view to entering into unfair contracts and engaging in unconscionable dealings with them. Factors leading to vulnerability include language, the tendency for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to answer ‘yes’ to questions, the lack of information and advocacy services in remote areas, and lower levels of financial literacy attributable to distance. The research project analysed court cases and interviewed ICAN clients to identify key issues, with a view to strengthening the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the financial, consumer and commercial arenas.

Copyright Information

© Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this report may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publisher. The Australian Copyright Act 1968 (the ACT) allows a maximum of 10 percent of the report to be photocopied by any educational institution (or body that administers it) has given remuneration notice to the Copyright Agency Limited (CAL) under the Act.