We strongly support the proposals in Treasury’s Regulation Impact Statement to strengthen and enhance UCT protections for consumers, including in relation to contracts for insurance. We also generally support the proposal to strengthen laws relating to the application of UCTs in agreements with small businesses, however in line with our casework experience, this submission focuses on the application of UCTs in consumer contracts. These enhancements are an essential step in protecting consumers from UCTs, and we are greatly encouraged that the Government is seeking to improve the law in this area. Making UCTs illegal and empowering the courts to impose substantial penalties and a wider range of remedies where UCTs are used would greatly increase the effectiveness of the current UCT regime.
