What it means
The Australian Consumer Law protects consumers and small businesses from unfair terms in standard form contracts. A term is unfair if it would cause a significant imbalance in rights, is not reasonably necessary to protect the business, and would cause detriment if relied on. A court or tribunal can declare an unfair term void, and since 9 November 2023 a business that proposes or relies on one can also face penalties. Courts and the ACCC enforce these rules.
How it's used
A gym contract letting the operator change fees at any time without notice may be an unfair contract term and void.