A tireless champion of the rights of financially disadvantaged consumers who has spent more than 30 years fighting for fairer outcomes for all, was honoured last night at the Law Council of Australia's Consumer Rights Forum in Adelaide.
"Last night, Karen Cox's nearly three decades of contribution to the field of consumer protection law was recognised with presentation of the 2025 Consumer Rights Award" Law Council of Australia President, Juliana Warner said.
"Karen has worked at the Financial Rights Legal Centre for 25 years and during that time has been a pillar of the consumer movement in this country.
"Not only has she helped thousands of consumers to get fair outcomes, but she has successfully advocated for many years to make financial services fairer and safer for all Australians.
"Among her many significant achievements, Karen has championed the elevation of credit regulation to the national level and has been instrumental in the campaign for responsible lending obligations and for a maximum interest rate for consumer loans.
"Karen has also contributed to major improvements in consumer protection in personal insolvency and credit reporting, and pioneered a bankruptcy toolkit for lawyers and financial counsellors.
"As CEO of Financial Rights, Karen has been central to its transformation from a small operation focused on consumer credit with a handful of staff to a robust, multi-disciplinary service offering both state and national services.
"Karen was the first witness called at the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry. Her testimony provided a crucial overview of the systemic issues faced by consumers, and she has been instrumental in implementing many of the Royal Commission's recommendations. Her contributions have had a lasting impact on the financial services landscape in Australia.
"She has also given back to the community through her support and involvement with the Save Sorry Business Coalition and as a Non-Executive Board Director at Way Forward, an organisation providing free debt solutions to struggling Australians.
"Karen's dedication to addressing some of the most challenging issues facing Australian consumers has earned her the respect and admiration of her peers.
"She is an exceptionally deserving recipient of the 2025 Consumer Rights Award. I congratulate Karen and thank her for all she has done to inspire and shape consumer advocacy in Australia."
