Southern Metropolitan Region
Georgie CROZIER (Southern Metropolitan) (12:52): (1846) My question is to the Minister for Consumer Affairs. I have been contacted by the Probus club of Maling, which is based in my electorate, to raise concerns about the exorbitant fees charged by Consumer Affairs Victoria, CAV, for incorporated associations. CAV is asking this club, along with 400 other Probus clubs across Victoria, to pay a fee of $437.10 to register an updated constitution, despite these constitutions being virtually identical across all clubs. This fee is much higher than those charged by regulators in other states and territories, which range from $23 to $84, so it is a massive increase. Probus club of Maling will have no choice but to ask their members to fund the additional cost. Given many are on fixed incomes, it places undue financial pressure on them in a cost-of-living crisis. Probus clubs are volunteer run and serve retirees, providing vital social connection. Will the minister review the fees for Probus clubs to alleviate the financial burden on members?