Australia introduces comprehensive consumer protection law

New national consumer protection law and paid parental leave are among the reforms introduced by the Gillard government in Australia that will take effect from today.

In what the government claims as "one of the most significant reforms in the history of consumer protection," the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) will today replace about 20 Commonwealth, state and territory consumer protection laws, according to The Weekend Australian.

According to the Productivity Commission, the ACL will provide up to $4.5 billion in benefits to the economy. This will include terms to cover standard form contracts, a national law guaranteeing consumer rights when buying goods and services, national product safety rules and unified penalties and enforcement powers.

From today, The Weekend Australian said, parents would be able to claim 18 weeks government-funded parental leave, at the national minimum wage of $570 a week before tax.

However, Julia Gillard is yet to respond to the concerns of unions and business groups, who are urging the government's intervention for addressing a loophole that leaves some parents eligible for the payments but not for leave under the Fair Work Act.

Also to come online are new government-funded mental health services with a $21-million boost to internet-based mental health services and extra training for frontline community workers.

The paid parental leave scheme will make nearly 150,000 families eligible for 18 weeks leave, paid at the national minimum wage of $570.