News and Events

A Melbourne University researcher is seeking participants for a study examining the use and impact of some of the options available to people experiencing consumer debt problems in Australia.

The University of Sydney is seeking people with lived experience of debt and gambling to take part in a short, anonymous research survey.

On 6 March, RLC held a panel discussion on financial abuse – a fundraiser presented by RLC’s Young Professionals Committee.

RLC submission to the Retirement Income Policy Division

On 28 March 2018, the Treasury Laws Amendment (Australian Consumer Law Review) Bill 2018 (Cth) was passed and will enact the first suite of proposals of the Australian Consumer Law Review.

On 18 October, the Australian Senate voted to establish an inquiry into unregulated debt management firms, which target customers with debt problems.

In this submission, RLC focuses on the impact of irresponsible lending practices on consumers in response to the ASIC Consultation Paper on Credit Cards and Responsible Lending Assessments.

The federal government has heard evidence for the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry that showcased the heavy malpractice of financial services such as banks and insurance companies in capitalising on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders fear of financial instability.

June 2018: Spotlight on Credit & Debt

On 21 March 2018, a new State Debt Recovery Act 2018 (NSW) commenced. The Act gives Revenue NSW the power to bypass the court debt recovery process, dramatically changing the way state debts, such as council rates, are collected in NSW.