The Andrews Labor Government is encouraging Koori consumers to walk away from high pressure sales pitches as part of a national consumer rights campaign.

The It’s Okay to Walk Away campaign aims to help Koori consumers in urban and regional and rural areas of Victoria identify high pressure sales tactics and to inform them of their consumer rights.

Organisations have previously targeted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers with high pressure sales tactics to sign them up to VET FEE training courses, mobile phone services and to sell electronics and photography packages.  Federal and state government agencies have taken action against these traders.

The campaign features presentations, social media posts and videos that educate consumers about the various tactics used by salespeople. Learn more by watching the It’s Okay to Walk Away video.

It’s Okay to Walk Away provides Koori consumers with helpful tips, which include:

• It’s okay to walk away – remember, it is okay to hang up the phone or ask the sales person to leave your home
• Avoid the hard sell – sign up to the ‘Do Not Call’ register and get ‘Do Not Knock’ stickers for your home. Stickers can be ordered through Consumer Affairs Victoria free of charge
• Make an informed decision – be sure to get all the details and take your time to read through all the material
• Be tactic savvy – watch the It’s Okay to Walk Away video to learn more about how to identify high pressure sales tactics
• Talk to us – Call Consumer Affairs Victoria to speak to someone who can help

Consumer Affairs Victoria offers a dedicated service for Koori consumers offering advice, information and support.

You can call the Koori helpline on 1300 66 15 11 or visit the website at www.consumer.vic.gov.au/koori

Quotes attributable to Minister for Consumer Affairs Marlene Kairouz

“This campaign is about empowering Koori consumers with the skills to deal with high pressure sales tactics.”

“We want members of the Koori community to know their consumers rights and be confident when dealing with pushy salespeople.”

“Consumer Affairs Victoria will be conducting regular presentations across the state to provide consumer support and education – backed up by the Koori helpline and website.”