Consumer Law

ACCC

Also known as: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

In plain English

The national watchdog that enforces consumer protection and competition laws across Australia.

What it means

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is the independent Commonwealth regulator responsible for enforcing the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, which contains the Australian Consumer Law. It investigates misleading conduct, unfair contract terms, product safety issues and anti-competitive behaviour. The ACCC works alongside state and territory fair trading agencies, which share enforcement of the ACL. While it can take court action and issue infringement notices, it generally does not resolve individual disputes, which are handled by fair trading bodies or tribunals.

How it's used

The ACCC took court action against a retailer for repeatedly telling customers they had 'no refund rights'.

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