Australia: Consumer Law

Australia's parliament has passed legislation doubling maximum penalties under competition and consumer law, raising civil and criminal fines to AU$100 million per contravention. What will these enhanced enforcement powers mean for businesses operating under the Competition and Consumer Act, and how should companies prepare for the upcoming unfair trading practices reforms set to take effect in July 2027?

A recent High Court of Australia decision has highlighted the important distinction between trade mark infringement and misleading and deceptive conduct under Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

Silence can amount to misleading or deceptive conduct under Australian law where, in context, it creates or allows a false impression to persist.

Treasury has now released an exposure draft of amendments to the Australian Consumer Law to address certain unfair trading practices.

The NSW Court of Appeal's decision reinforces orthodox principles governing misleading or deceptive conduct.

The submission emphasises the need for a risk-based approach that better reflects existing consumer protections already embedded in Australian law.

Commission of Inquiry into the state's child safety system to examine systemic issues and recommend reforms.

ASIC alleges that Choosi misled customers through its comparison services in contravention of sections 12DB and 12DF of the ASIC Act 2001.

The CSLR is an independent not-for-profit company authorised to provide compensation of up to $150,000 to a consumer for an unpaid AFCA determination.