#Australian Consumer Law
Federal Court finds waste management giant’s contracts with small businesses were unfair
Eight terms in the standard form contract used by JJ Richards & Sons to engage small businesses have been deemed unfair, and therefore void under Australian Consumer Law (ACL), by the Federal Court, this week. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) instituted Federal Court proceedings against waste management giant, last month. It alleged […]
Amazon put on notice to comply with Australian unfair contract terms legislation
Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer has been reminded of its obligation to comply with Australian unfair contract terms legislation ahead of its imminent arrival in Australia. Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell said analysis of the Amazon Marketplace contract terms in the United States suggested they would have to be changed […]
Evergreen Clauses, what are they and where are they hiding?
If you have ever signed up to a service that doesn’t end or you can’t seem to get out off, you’ve probably just met an evergreen clause. Evergreen clauses, also known as renewal clauses, are those tricky little statements within a contract that extend its duration automatically – unless one of the parties remembers to […]
Key Consumer Law issues to consider when running an online business
The fastest growth rate in Australia for start ups is the online business. This range from selling goods such as make up or skin care, to children’s clothing and toys. However, before you rush ahead and set up your business online, there are a few legal issues that you need to be aware of when […]
Comparator website operators and businesses to follow new guidance
Operators of comparator websites and businesses whose products are listed on them have been targeted in new guidance released by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). The guidance seeks to help consumers understand how to get the best outcomes when using comparator websites as well as providing guidance to business on how to comply […]
ACCC warns online businesses to display product info
Online retailers frequently neglect to list product information alongside product displays, including information relating to ingredients, materials used, and product origin.
First business fined for false carbon claims
Genesis Fitness Club (GFC) has been penalised by the consumer watchdog for using the carbon tax as an excuse to increase membership fees, making it the first business in the country to be fined after the ACCC was given extra funds by the Government to crack down on false carbon claims.
ACCC given funding to crack down on false carbon claims
The Federal Government has granted additional funding to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), to assist it in cracking down on businesses that gouge customers by making misleading carbon claims.
When is too good to be true, really is too good to be true?
Reckon Limited’s Gerald Chait blogs about what the Australian Consumer Law means for business advertising. “Some parts of the updated rules are obvious, such as use of the words ‘closing down sale’ – it is clearly misleading to have a closing down sale that lasts for three years. But there are others that are worth keeping in mind when deciding on your advertising campaign.”
ACCC launches new consumer guarantees education program for business
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has launched an online education module that explains the new consumer guarantees to business owners, managers and sales staff.
ACCC to run free product safety seminars to explain Consumer Law reforms
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will run free product safety seminars for businesses to explain the product safety system changes under the Australian Consumer Law reforms.
Unfair Contract Terms guide released by ACCC
A guide to the unfair contract terms law, helps businesses understand their rights and obligations under the new Unfair Contract Terms (UCT) law which commences on July 1 this year.
ACCC gets new Australian Consumer Law powers
The ACCC has been equipped with greater powers to protect consumers from unscrupulous businesses, with first part of the Australian Consumer Law coming into effect today.