#Consumer Law
Equifax accused of breaching consumer law
The ACCC has initiated proceedings in the Federal Court against Equifax (formerly Veda), alleging the credit reporting bureau made false or misleading representations to consumers between June 2013 and March 2017, in breach of consumer laws. Allegations include that Equifax claimed that its paid credit reports were more comprehensive than free reports, when they were not. […]
Consumer complaints and enquiries from small businesses on the rise, ACCC reveals
Small businesses contacted the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) nearly 5000 times in the second half of 2017, up from 3700 in the preceding six months, according to a new report. The ACCC’s latest Small business in focus report, covering July to December 2017, shows small businesses made 2365 enquiries to the Commission along […]
Meriton manipulated their TripAdvisor rating by preventing guests from posting bad reviews
The Federal Court has found that accommodation provider Meriton engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct by implementing a strategy to minimise the number of negative reviews its guests posted on the TripAdvisor website. In November 2016, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) instituted proceedings against Meriton in the Federal Court, alleging that between November […]
Social media advertisements: keep it ethical
It’s possible to write an entire series of articles discussing the advantages of social media advertisements. Social media is no longer just an optimum platform for sharing breakfast photos, it can also serve as an ideal platform for businesses to promote their product or service to a worldwide audience. For example, it has been estimated that Facebook now has approximately […]
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 […]
Coles to display notices it breached consumer law
Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett has welcomed a Federal Court order forcing Coles to display notices informing consumers it broke Australian consumer law.
ACCC releases small business report
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has released its Small Business In Focus Report, looking at the contacts that small business made with the ACCC in 2012.
Australian consumer law reforms fall short
University of New South Wales Associate Professor Frank Zumbo has come out swinging at proposed national consumer laws that water down existing legislation in Victoria.