Leader: Dr Bronwyn Naylor

Offered

Not offered in 2008

Synopsis

This unit will examine state and federal legislative consumer protection mechanisms; the development, operation and monitoring of self-regulatory and industry-based mechanisms (eg licence and contract conditions, Codes of Practice, Customer/Service Charters and Standards); the role of industry regulators; new avenues of dispute resolution (eg industry-based Ombudsman schemes and mediation); compliance, enforcement and monitoring mechanisms; the influence of, and importance of achieving compliance with, global consumer protection obligations; and specific issues raised by the new information technologies.

Objectives

Upon completion of this unit students will have

1. an understanding of the existing mechanisms for consumer protection in Australia;
2. an understanding of a range of methods for regulating for consumers;
3. an understanding of, and ability to evaluate, the options for protecting consumer interests and of monitoring compliance when formulating a regulatory framework;
4. an understanding of likely trends in consumer protection; and
5. enhanced research skills as a result of undertaking a substantial piece of writing.

Assessment

Research assignment (5,250 words): 70%
Take home examination: 30% OR research assignment (7,500 words): 100%

Contact hours

Semi-intensively