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.
http://www.accc.gov.au/
Business and the Australian consumer law
The Australian consumer law is a national consumer law which is to apply to all business sectors. It covers general standards of business conduct, prohibits harmful practices, regulates specific types of business-to-consumer transactions, provides basic consumer rights for goods and services and regulates the safety of consumer products and product-related services.
http://www.consumerlaw.gov.au/content/Content.aspx?doc=businesses_ACL.htm
Buying from overseas
Many legitimate businesses located overseas provide goods and services to Australian consumers without difficulty. However, there are some traders who may try to take advantage. It is important that you read any contractual terms that apply to your purchase. Protect yourself.
http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/815341
Competition and consumer policy
The Treasury provides advice to the Government on Australia's competition consumer policy framework.
http://www.treasury.gov.au/content/consumer_affairs.asp
Complaints [Vic]
Consumer Affairs Victoria advises and assists consumers and businesses and can only act on a particular dispute if a formal complaint is made. Includes information about when to complain, conciliation, complaint forms and a Helpline.
http://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/CA256EB5000644CE/page/About+us-Contact+us-Make+a+complaint?OpenDocument&1=0-About+us~&2=060-Contact+us~&3=030-Make+a+complaint~
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.
http://www.business.gov.au/BusinessTopics/fairtrading/pages/default.aspx
For businesses
This section of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission site covers dealing with customers; product safety; dealing with other businesses; running your business; industry codes of conduct; and professions and competition. There is also a Resource centre with small business publications.
http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/815214
National consumer credit regulation
This section of the Australilan Securities and Investments Commission site provides information about National consumer credit regulation, registration and licensing.
http://www.asic.gov.au/credit
Product safety email alerts
Subscribe to Product Safety Australia to receive overnight email alerts for new and updated content on any of the product categories.
http://australia.gov.au/service/product-safety-email-alerts
Product safety recalls email alerts
Subscribe to Product Safety Recalls Australia to receive overnight alerts on one or more product recall categories.
http://australia.gov.au/service/product-safety-recalls-email-alerts
