Students from across Queensland have been rewarded for their outstanding entries in this year’s Office of Fair Trading Buy Smart competition, winning a share of $15,000 prize money.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman handed out the prizes to the winning students at the award ceremony held at Parliament House this afternoon.
“A huge congratulations to all of the winners and entrants in this year’s Buy Smart competition,” the Minister said.
“This year we have seen some creative entries from students that educate the community on consumer rights, how to recognise and avoid scams, and how to be smart with money.
“These include a board game to teach people how to be scam aware, an instructional video on budgeting and buying your first car, as well as an anime video focused on avoiding online gaming scams.”
The Buy Smart competition involves students identifying a consumer issue, researching it, and presenting what they have learned in a creative way.
The Minister said the Office of Fair Trading received 48 consumer complaints from young Queenslanders under 18 last financial year.
“Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with more people heading online to do everyday tasks such as keeping in touch with family and friends, online shopping or banking,” she said.
“In Australia, scammers stole over $360,000 from under 18s last year, with almost $100,000 from online shopping scams.
“That’s why it’s never been so important for young people to learn how to be smart with their money and know how to recognise and avoid falling for scams.”
First place winners included students from Wellers Hill State School, Wavell State High School, and Nambour State College.
The Fair Trading Commissioner’s School Champion prize of $1,500 was jointly awarded to Forest Lake State School and Wadja Wadja High School.
In 2022, the Buy Smart program involved over 5,800 students across Queensland.
The first prize in each category is $500 for the winning entry and $2,000 for their school; second prize is $250 for the winning entry and $1,000 for their school; and third prize is $150 for the winning entry and $500 for their school. Judges may also award a total of ten highly commended prizes across all categories worth $50 per entry.
