Unfair Contract Terms The bottom line for business

Unfair Contract Terms The bottom line for business Unfair Contract Terms One day seminar 7 November 2003 Park Hyatt, Melbourne Are your contracts fair? Recent amendments to the Victorian Fair Trading Act 1999 have a significant impact on consumer contracts. If a business includes an unfair term in a contract, it risks the term being declared void, prosecution and financial loss. Businesses are now required to review their contracts to make sure they comply with the amended legislation. Consumer Affairs Victoria will monitor consumer contracts across the marketplace. While Victoria has taken the lead in making these changes in consumer protection, it is expected that similar legislative changes will take place throughout Australia. You will find out more about these important changes at the Unfair Terms in Contracts Seminar. Consumer Affairs Victoria will present an overview of the legislation, measures to ensure compliance and provide an opportunity to discuss what the changes will mean for you. You’ll also hear about the United Kingdom experience, where similar legislation has had major impact over the last decade; around 5000 unfair terms have been amended or abolished in consumer contracts due to the UK regulations. Program 8.30 8.55 Registration Welcome David Cousins Director Consumer Affairs Victoria Opening Address John Lenders MP Minister for Consumer Affairs Patrick L’Estrange Legislation Officer Consumer Affairs Victoria Peter Hiland General Manager Compliance and Enforcement Consumer Affairs Victoria Morning Tea Ian Edwards Director Consumer Regulation Enforcement Division Office of Fair Trading, United Kingdom Elizabeth Lanyon Associate Professor Legal Consultant Mallesons Stephen Jaques Lunch Chris Field Executive Director Consumer Law Centre Victoria Chair Australian Consumers’ Association David Llewellyn Legal Officer Australian Retail Association of Victoria Matt Miller Commissioner for Fair Trading Queensland Chair Standing Commitee of Officials of Consumer Affairs (SCOCA) Gail Hubble Barrister Afternoon Tea Panel Discussion Chair - Jon Faine ABC Current Affairs Presenter The consumer perspective Outline of the United Kingdom experience Outline of the legislation 9.00 9.30 10.15 Consumer Affairs Victoria’s role in compliance and enforcement 10.45 11.15 12.15 The legal issues 12.45 1.45 2.15 The business perspective 2.45 Outline of National Consumer Regulatory initiatives 3.15 3.45 4.15 Unforeseen consequences of the legislation Registration Form and Tax Invoice This registration form becomes a tax invoice on receipt of payment in full. Please retain a copy for your records. To Register Fax Website Cost including GST $360.00 $400.00 03 9627 6270 www.consumer.vic.gov.au Earlybird registrations close 20 October 2003 Conference registrations close 24 October 2003 The conference registration fee covers all sessions, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and conference papers. Please provide the following information Delegate Name Position Organisation Contact Address Contact Phone Number Email Address Any Special Dietary Requirements Additional Delegates Delegate Name Delegate Name Payment Options Tax Invoice ABN 32790228959 Amount Payable $ Cheque (payable to Consumer Affairs Victoria) Mail with this registration form to: Unfair Contract Terms Seminar Education and Communications Branch Consumer Affairs Victoria GPO Box 123A Melbourne VIC 3001 Position Position Credit Card Visa Card Number Expiry Date Cardholder’s Name Bankcard Mastercard Amex Diners Club Signature We would like to use your contact information to keep you updated on news and issues from Consumer Affairs Victoria. Please tick this box if you would like your details used for this purpose. For more information contact Rebecca Smith Consumer Affairs Victoria cav.communications@justice.vic.gov.au Tel 03 9627 6137 Terms and Conditions Cancellation Should you be unable to attend the seminar, a substitute delegate is welcome at no extra charge. Alternatively, a full refund will be made for cancellations received in writing up to two weeks before the seminar. A 50% refund will be made for cancellations received in writing up to three days before the seminar. Consumer Affairs Victoria regrets that a refund cannot be offered within three days before the seminar. Registrations Bookings are limited. Your place will be secured on receipt of payment via fax or mail. Privacy Consumer Affairs Victoria is bound by laws that protect your privacy concerning the collection, use and disclosure of your personal information. The information you provide to us will be used to process your registration and administer the conference. Consumer Affairs Victoria will not retain your details unless you explicitly agree. Our privacy statement is available at www.consumer.vic.gov.au Air Travel Qantas is pleased to support the Consumer Affairs Victoria Seminar by offering up to 40% discount on full Economy Class airfares excluding taxes. The airfares are subject to availability at time of booking and conditions apply. Please phone Qantas on 1800 684 880 and quote Conference Number 3572643 to discuss your travel arrangements. These airfares offer a number of benefits, including the following: • Tickets can be purchased up to the day of departure • Date changes are permitted at any time subject to class availability • Tickets are fully refundable up to three (3) days before departure of the outbound flight • Delegates may travel up to seven (7) days either side of the conference date. Program Changes Consumer Affairs Victoria reserves the right to make changes to the program and speakers. Every effort will be made to contact delegates if any changes occur. Address 1 Parliament Square (off Parliament Place) Melbourne VIC 3002 Latrobe Street Swanston Street Russell Street Exhibition Street Elizabeth Street Latrobe Street Spring Street Vic Vic tor ia P tor ia P ara de ara de Parliament Gardens Alb Str eet ert Bourke Street Bourke Street Gis bo rne Parliament Houses St Patrick’s Cathedral Parliament Station Collins Street Exhibition Street Swanston Street Elizabeth Street Collins Street M a ca u rth rS tre dra l Pla ce St An dre ws Pla State Government Houses Treasury Place Spring Street ce Russell Street Treasury Gardens Flinders Street Flinders Street Station Federation Square Flinders Street Conservatory Lan sdo wn eS tre et et Ca the Mo rris Str eet on Pla ce Lonsdale Street Lonsdale Street N Accommodation Accommodation during the period of the conference is limited due to the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. It is advised to book as early as possible. For information on accommodation options and to make a booking see www.visitvictoria.com