Thursday, 30 March 2000

Media Release

Ripped off by the GST? Just Say "Ngo"

Fairfield residents will be represented in a peak Federal Government National Committee to protect consumers from unfair price rises when the GST is introduced.

This week, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) announced the appointment of Cr Thang Ngo, only one of 8 members nationwide, to its National Consumer Liaison Group.

The ACCC National Consumer Liaison Group will be making sure consumers are informed about their rights and are able to recognise when a business is using the GST to engage in price exploitation.

Since his election to Council, Cr Ngo has been a vocal campaigner for the rights of residents.

"I’m honoured that the ACCC has recognised my record as a consumer advocate and the importance of residents in the West with this appointment," said Cr Ngo.

Cr Ngo will attend the first meeting on Tuesday, 4 April in ACCC’s Melbourne head office.

"In this meeting the ACCC Group will be reviewing how ACCC intends to monitor unfair price rises, the overall communications strategy, proposed advertising, draft ‘how to make a complaint’ brochure and ACCC GST website.

"Of course, Fairfield and its residents are always top-of-mind for me and I will make sure our interests are represented,

"I welcome ACCC’s pro-active stance to protect residents from unscrupulous businesses" concluded Cr Ngo.

ENDS