PM Transcripts

33
i( A
PRIME MINISTER I
Press Statement No. 494
April 1975
COMMISSION FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS
The Australian Government has decided to establish
a Commission for Consumer Affairs to co-ordinate consumer
standards and handle public education on consumer matters.
The Commission will be an independent statutory
authority responsible to the Minister for Science,
Mr Bill Morrison. It will develop consumer product standards and
information standards for promulgation under the Trade
Practices Act.
The Commission will provide a focal point for
consumer groups and industry in their dealings with the
Australian Government on consumer matters. It is also
charged with liaison with State Government consumer
affairs bodies. In formulating standards, it will co-ordinate
the work of the various expert standing committees such
as the Food Standards Committee of the National Health
and Medical Research Council. The Department of Health
will retain responsibility for therapeutic drug standards.
The Commission for Consumer Affairs will be
headed by a Commissioner who will have Permanent Head
status. There will be a part-time Advisory Consumer
Council comprising representatives of the Australian
and State public services, consumer and manufacturing
industry organisations, educational institutions and
trade unions. Where necessary, the Commission will hold public
hearings on the preparation of consumer standards.
CANBERRA. A. C. T.