In comparison with most committee members, consumer representatives are poorly resourced. Both industry and government representatives often attend committee meetings as part of their jobs where expenses are paid and hours are allocated. Consumer representatives seldom have such luxuries.

In many cases consumer representatives take time out from their paid employment to attend meetings and rely on their employers to get time off. Sitting fees are not always paid.

Consumer representatives may have limited or no access to the internet, e-mail and faxes and have to do committee work at home. Networking is done in their own time and phone calls are usually made from home.

Consumer representatives are often out-of-pocket for routine committee work such as making phone calls. A fact sheet is available to provide to the Secretariat detailing suggested entitlements.

Try to find ways to have the committee pay for expenses such as:

  • Having them ring you back when you call them
  • Paying for the cost of your printing or ask to be sent hard copies of all the meeting documents
  • Internet costs.

Tip

The fact sheet How committee secretariats can support consumer representatives may assist you with issues around lack of resources.

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