New laws making it easier for buyers who get stuck with defective motor vehicles to seek redress will come into effect from September 1.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D'Ath said the new laws meant greater protection for people who purchased a defective car, motorbike, caravan or motorhome but Scenic Rim MP Jon Krause said it was another case of the government being slow to act.
"Labor has promised these lemon laws since 2015 and it's taken them nearly five years to finally act," he said.
"I was a part of the committee that looked at this issue in 2016 and clearly saw there was a need for reform when it came to new vehicles not being fit for use, and also the remedies people have to make manufacturers of cars take responsibility."
Mrs D'Ath said the aptly-named 'lemon laws', passed by State Parliament in April, lifted the level for claims able to be handled by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal from $25,000 to $100,000.
Additionally, 30-day or 1000 km warranties for motorists buying a vehicle more than 10 years old or with 160,000 km or more on the odometer were being restored.
Mrs D'Ath said the Newman LNP government had scrapped the warranties for older vehicles, leaving buyers stranded when they purchased a defective vehicle.
Mr Krause said the current government had broken promises and profited from motorists.
"Labor has treated motorists like cash cows and raised rego on your car by 17.3 per cent after promising no increases above inflation," he said.
"Some hikes have been more than double the rate of inflation."
Also read: Wheels names Australia's best value cars
The government said the reinstated protection would sit with the current statutory warranty, which provided a three months or 5000 km warranty for second-hand vehicles bought from a motor dealer that were no more than 10 years old and had travelled less than 160,000 km.
Mrs D'Ath said the law changes meant buyers could make their vehicle purchases with greater confidence and peace of mind.
"These measures will build levels of trust in the industry and benefit the majority of motor dealers who are doing the right thing by offering best practice in terms of refunds, replacements and repairs at no cost, when a vehicle is faulty.
"After buying a home, a motor vehicle is often the next biggest purchase a person will make in their life," she said.
"People use their motor vehicles for a wide variety of purposes - getting to and from work, running a business, taking their kids to school and sport, going to the supermarket and going on holidays are just some of them.
"When you invest in a car or a caravan, you don't expect it to be off the road for a lengthy period with all the stress and inconvenience that can cause."
Mrs D'Ath said the Australian Consumer Law contained guarantees which protected consumers and required suppliers, among other things, to guarantee that motor vehicles were of acceptable quality and fit for purpose.
"Consumers are entitled to a refund if a product has a major failure of the consumer guarantees.
"It is important that consumers are able to have their matter heard through a court or tribunal.
"QCAT provides an easier and less expensive avenue to resolve legal disputes, so this reform will enable more buyers to enforce their rights without the need to go to court."
