The hot topic of lemon caravans became an election issue in Queensland last week, when state Labor premier Annastacia Palaszczuk promised tougher ‘lemon laws’ if her party got up at the week-end's state election. In a statement titled “Labor puts Queensland consumers first”, the ALP committed to raising the small claims tribunal limit from its current $25,000 limit to $100,000.
They also promised to include caravans and motorhomes in the definition of a 'motor vehicle', protect buyers of older second hand cars and lobby federally for lemon laws for vehicles, including recreational vehicles.
“We want to ensure Queenslanders have the full information and protections when they spend their money,” Palaszczuk said.
“Vehicles are a big financial commitment and Queenslanders want to be sure they’re getting what they paid for.”
Consumer advocate Tracy Leigh of Facebook group Lemon Caravans & RVs welcomed the last-minute election promise but said it didn’t go far enough.
“A $100,000 limit is still too low for consumers who purchase caravans and motorhomes,” she said. “Many of those vehicles now retail for well over $100,000 and the prices are increasing every year.
“NSW and Victoria have no limit for new vehicle claims. The question is, why is Queensland treating its consumers differently and still putting them at a disadvantage compared to consumers in other states?"
Leigh, who recently accused the Queensland Office of Fair Trading (QOFT) of being a toothless tiger, called on the Queensland LNP party to not only match the ALP's election promise, but commit to removing the QCAT financial limit on consumer claims for vehicles. "Only by doing this will Queensland consumers be properly protected compared to their counterparts in NSW and Victoria,” she said.