Buyer beware? An update on the rules that relate to the use of gift cards and what methods consumers can take to protect themselves this Christmas

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In December 2011, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer released the Commonwealth Consumer Affairs Advisory Council (CCAAC) issues paper on Gift cards in the Australian market. The paper looks at the laws that currently apply to the gift card industry and whether these laws sufficiently protect both gift card users and purchasers. This FlagPost will update a previous post that discussed some of the issues pertaining to the use of gift cards and will examine other problems consumers may face during the festive season.

The gift that stops giving? Government launches new inquiry into gift cards

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While not always considered the most exciting presents to unwrap, these small, easy-to-purchase items were rated among the top Christmas presents preferred by Australians last year. Yet for some recipients gift cards have proved less useful than the traditional pair of socks, leading to a review as to whether the best things really do come in small packages.

The Commonwealth Consumer Affairs Advisory Council (CCAAC) has recently released its paper “Gift Cards in the Australian Market”. It comes as a response to concerns raised by Paul Lucas MP who, along with consumer groups such as Choice, has called for a nationwide scheme to regulate the use of gift cards. The paper looks at the laws that currently apply to the gift card industry and whether these laws sufficiently protect both gift card users and purchasers.