Consumer Rights
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is an independent Australian Government statutory authority. It was formed in 1995 to administer the Trade Practices Act 1974 and the Prices Surveillance Act 1983. The ACCC promotes competition and fair trade in the market place to benefit consumers, business and the community. It also regulates national infrastructure services. Its primary responsibility is to ensure that individuals and businesses comply with the Commonwealth competition, fair trading and consumer protection laws. In fair trading and consumer protection its role complements that of the state and territory consumer affairs agencies which administer the mirror legislation of their jurisdictions, and the Competition and Consumer Policy Division of the Commonwealth Treasury.
Consumer Policy
The objective of the Competition and Consumer Policy Division is to promote the key elements of consumer sovereignty - protection, choice, information and redress.
Fair Trading
In Australia federal and state laws protect business and customers from unfair trading practices. This page has links to information about these topics: fair trading laws; complying with the Trade Practices Act; Codes of Practice; customer service; dispute resolution; product safety and standards; product recalls; labelling; retail leasing and warranties and refunds.
For Business - What does the law say about dealing with consumers?
This page on the Ministerial Council on Consumer Affairs site provides details on how to find out what the law says about how businesses should deal with consumers.
For Businesses
This section of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission covers many basic responsibilities of business such as dealing with customers, dealing with other businesses, obligations to consumers, running your business, industry codes of conduct and professions & competition.
Product Recalls Australia
The Product Recalls Australia web site enhances consumer safety by providing current information to consumers about product recalls.
Small Business
This section of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission covers dealing with consumers; dealing with other businesses; franchising; Your business; rural and regional issues; and a Resource centre with small business publications and a FAQ section.
Uniform Consumer Credit Code
The Consumer Credit Code was developed in response to business and consumer concerns as a national initiative to standardise credit practice in Australia.
