Debt collection activity is expected to rise significantly in 2021, as financial hardship becomes more prevalent due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Consumer advocates have warned of an impending “avalanche in debt collection” and have called for better enforcement of laws...

High levels of personal debt and the rising cost of living have increased the likelihood of Australian consumers engaging with businesses that promise to resolve their debt problems. Such businesses have been highlighted for the risks they pose to consumers, charging fees for services that are...

This research report is part of a project, funded by the Australian Research Council, which will contribute to a broader understanding of the role of financial literacy and consumer behaviour in Australia. The research report explores the causes of financial behaviour and considers whether...

Australian credit card debt has grown rapidly over the last two decades and there were, as at September 2011, 14.9 million credit card accounts in Australia with outstanding balances of $49.2 billion, representing an ownership rate of 87% of the adult population. Credit cards are the second...

In 2014, a group of researchers at Melbourne Law School commenced a major empirical research project, focussing on Australia's personal insolvency laws and their practical impact on people in financial distress. As part of the project, in early 2015, the research team conducted a national online...

Consumer leases are regulated in Australia separately from credit contracts. This has created opportunities for regulatory arbitrage and has resulted in significant harm to consumers. Recent reforms, which commenced on 1 March 2013, have addressed this problem by applying to consumer leases many...

Although young Australians are active consumers there is little evidence about their knowledge of consumer rights. The authors report the results of a survey of 207 Australian school students aged 16-17 aimed at ascertaining their knowledge of consumer rights. Focus group interviews were also...

This report presents the results of a study examining superannuation knowledge, behaviour and attitudes in 994 young adult superannuation fund members (25-34 years old) in Australia. Respondents completed a 75 question online survey instrument which included questions on demographics and...

Consumer leases offer low-income consumers the option to hire household items that they do not have the money to purchase upfront. They are marketed by consumer lease providers as a cheap way to purchase important household items. However, recent studies illustrate that the price ultimately paid...

The provision of ‘fair, timely and effective’ mechanisms for the resolution of consumer complaints is ‘a central part’ of the regulatory framework for financial services including general insurance in Australia. Insurers are required to have in place internal dispute resolution...