Qld: Minister appeals for fair go for cyclone victims

AAP General News (Australia)
04-10-2006
Qld: Minister appeals for fair go for cyclone victims

By Nikki Todd

BRISBANE, April 10 AAP - Queensland's fair trading minister is calling on tradesmen
and landlords to spare a thought for the victims of Cyclone Larry and not take advantage
of them.

Builders from as far away as Sydney and Melbourne are reportedly demanding up to three
times the going rate to help in the reconstruction of cyclone-devastated parts of far
north Queensland.

House rents have also jumped as people are forced to compete for the limited remaining
accommodation in Innisfail and surrounding areas.

Fair Trading Minister Margaret Keech said the government was not in a position to set
prices but called on tradesmen and landlords to be mindful of the difficulties victims
are experiencing.

"Tradespeople are looking to be paid for their services but I would encourage them
to take into consideration that it is a national disaster, it is an emergency, and to
set their prices accordingly," Ms Keech said.

"I would be encouraging them to be considerate of the difficulties, particularly where
I saw some of the houses that have been completely destroyed.

"It is up to the individual tradespeople to be charging a fair price rather than a
price that is outrageous."

Ms Keech admitted tradesmen were in short supply and it was up to the individual to
decide what to pay for services.

She said complaints of profiteering had been investigated by the Department of Fair
Trading but only one had enough supporting information to be pursued.

The minister encouraged anybody with a complaint to contact her department.

This is the second warning issued by Ms Keech, who first raised concerns about profiteering
more than two weeks ago.

Meanwhile, Premier Peter Beattie today accepted donations for his cyclone appeal fund
from the Chinese and Muslim communities, as well as from Macquarie Bank and Qld Tissue.

More than 50,500 donations amounting to almost $14.5 million have been donated to the
appeal since it was established after the March 20 cyclone.

AAP nt/ch/rj/tnf

KEYWORD: LARRY

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