Lemon lifeline: Push for ‘auto ombudsman’ to help Victorians who’ve been sold a dud vehicle

Consumer advocates are calling for the creation of an ‘auto ombudsman’ to help Victorians who’ve been sold a dud vehicle.

CEO of the Consumer Action Law Centre, Gerard Brody, says being sold a lemon is a common complaint his organisation deals with, and it’s very hard to get a resolution.

“It may be a defect that’s a small one, but it could also be a defect that just means the vehicle is unsafe to drive,” he told Ross and Russel.

“Too often people try and raise a dispute with a car dealer. if they’re not successful in resolving it they may just give up. There is the option to go to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, but that is a burdensome and difficult process which can take a very long time.”

The Consumer Action Law Centre, Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, WEstjustice and Hume Riverina Community Legal Service have put forward a proposal in the state government budget process.

But Mr Brody says an auto ombudsman wouldn’t need a great deal of state government funding.

“Actually, I think most of it could be resourced and established by the industry itself, that’s how it works in other sectors,” he said.

Press PLAY below to hear more about the idea