THE HON TONY BURKE MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND WATER
SHADOW MINISTER FOR CITIZENSHIP AND MULTICULTURAL AUSTRALIA
SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE ARTS
MEMBER FOR WATSON 

MADELEINE KING MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS
SHADOW MINISTER ASSISTING FOR RESOURCES
SHADOW MINISTER ASSISTING FOR SMALL BUSINESS
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BRAND

Treasury officials have confirmed today that crucial reforms to ticket scalping laws were delayed because of the Liberal leadership crisis.

When asked in Senate Estimates why the 31 August Consumer Affairs Forum was cancelled, and rescheduled for 26 October, Treasury officials confirmed it was because there was a change in the Minister responsible for consumer affairs.  

The change in the Minister responsible for consumer affairs (now the Assistant Treasurer Stuart Robert) was a direct result of the Liberal leadership turmoil. This means consumers have had to wait nearly 2 months to see any movement on ticket scalping reforms, because the Liberal Party is in chaos.

The Forum, which brings together Australian and New Zealand consumer affairs and fair trading ministers, is important for Australian consumers.

Changes to the Australian Consumer Law can only happen following agreement between the government and the states. It’s not just a talk fest – the forum is the machine room for the significant legislative agenda for consumer affairs and protection matters.

So now, as we draw nearer to the summer music festival season, Australian consumers are still at risk of being exploited by ticket scalpers and face exorbitant resale prices, because of the government’s inaction and reckless disregard for consumer protection.

People will continue to be ripped off by websites like fake ticket reseller Viagogo, where consumers are being exposed to the dishonest practice of being sold fake or overpriced tickets. 

Concerts, festivals and other live entertainment are one of the biggest discretionary purchases that consumers will make each a year. Consumers deserve to know that their hard earned money will purchase them a legitimate ticket to the advertised event.

This government continues to fail Australian consumers.