COAG Consultation Regulation Impact Statement – Consumer Affairs Australia and New Zealand
On 21 November 2017, the Australian Government Department of the Treasury released a Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) on behalf of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG Legislative and Governance Forum on Consumer Affairs. The RIS explores possible options to improve outcomes and protections for consumers who pay paper billing fees.
While many consumers may have the option to transition to digital bills, but choose to pay paper billing fees due to personal preference, there is a concern that this is not the case for all consumers. These consumers may pay paper billing fees out of necessity, because they do not have the ability to access digital bills. Potential options canvassed in the Consultation RIS range from a ban on paper billing fees through to promoting exemptions through behavioural approaches.
The RIS prepared by the Department of the Treasury has been approved by the OBPR under COAG RIS requirements.
The Treasury is seeking public feedback on the proposals. The consultation period closes on 22 December 2017.