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

As Christmas nears, Labor urges Australian consumers to be careful when buying presents for their loved ones.

“Christmas is a special time of the year, but when everyone is rushed off their feet trying to make the most of the holidays, things can go wrong, quickly,” said Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs Madeleine King MP.

“We want to make sure Australian consumers to stay safe, stress-free and satisfied with their purchases this Christmas.”

When buying presents for young ones, check the CHOICE website and ACCC Product Safety Australia so you can be reassured your present won’t harm your child.

And if you’re wondering if a present is worth the money, CHOICE offers a comprehensive list of product reviews, from a Christmas kitchen gift guide to reviews on every portable Bluetooth speaker under the sun.

Labor also urges consumers to think twice before signing up to a Payday Loan or a Buy Now Pay Later scheme – these predatory loan schemes might seem like a good way to buy that present your partner always wanted, but they can leave consumers facing crippling debt.

“Many of us are stretched for money over the Christmas period and it’s understandable consumers may be tempted to take out a payday loan to buy a gift,” Ms King said.

“In an ideal world, the Morrison government would have brought in legislation to clamp down on loan sharks. But another Christmas goes by where financially vulnerable Australian consumers are still exposed to their exploitative practices.”

If you are facing financial stress, call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.