Commonwealth and state and territory consumer affairs ministers have agreed to strengthen existing unfair contract term protections in the Australian Consumer Law, affording up to 99 per cent of businesses protection. “Evidence gathered through public consultation indicates that unfair terms remain prevalent in standard form contracts and there is uncertainty around the scope of the […]
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, 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Online retailers frequently neglect to list product information alongside product displays, including information relating to ingredients, materials used, and product origin.
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.
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.
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.”
