MARK DREYFUS
SHADOW ATTORNEY-GENERAL
SHADOW MINISTER FOR CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM
MEMBER FOR ISAACS
STEPHEN JONES MP
SHADOW ASSISTANT TREASURER
SHADOW MINISTER FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES
MEMBER FOR WHITLAM
GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO ANSWER QUESTIONS ON DEBT COLLECTION
The Morrison Government must act to ensure bankruptcy laws are not being exploited by fringe debt collection firms.
The ABCs 7:30 Report last night revealed the shocking tactics being used by debt collection agencies over debts as small as $5,000, including threats of bankruptcy and the loss of the family home.
These latest revelations will leave Australians wondering if this Morrison Government can be trusted to regulate debt collection and debt management firms properly.
The Coalition has failed again and again to put the interests of vulnerable Australians first when it comes to credit law.
In November 2016, the Government promised to act to regulate payday lenders and consumer lease providers. No legislation has been brought to Parliament in the three years since.
In August 2017, the Government promised to review the feasibility of regulating debt management firms. No further details have been released in two years.
And the Government has consistently failed to provide adequate funding to the legal aid services that would help vulnerable Australians navigate disputes with their financial providers.
Australians are tired of a Government that doesn't look out for them.
The Government needs to make sure that bankruptcy laws are not being exploited by fringe debt collection firms.
WEDNESDAY, 13 AUGUST 2019
