About Australian Consumer Law

The Australian Consumer Law is an Australian-wide set of rules that explains:

  • consumer rights
  • business responsibilities in Australia.

One Australia-wide law

This single law makes it easy for everyone to understand.

The Australian Consumer Law:

  • applies in all Australian states and territories
  • gives stronger protection for consumers and
  • makes it easier for businesses to operate.

Fair treatment

The Australian Consumer Law is important because it helps make sure everyone is treated fairly when buying or selling goods and services.

Fair treatment helps consumers make good choices and ensures businesses act honestly and responsibly.

It includes not cheating, tricking or taking advantage of consumers or businesses.

Consumers

It gives consumers the power to speak up about their rights.

For full details, see For consumers

Business

It helps businesses understand what they need to do.

For full details, see For business

Management

The Australian Government with state and territory governments manage the Australian Consumer Law.

Consumer affairs ministers work together to solve problems affecting people across Australia.

Legislation

The Australian Consumer Law is written into Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.

For full details, see Current legislation

Regulators

The Australian Consumer Law regulators enforce the law under a ‘one-law, multiple regulators’ system.

Regulator responsibilities include:

  • investigating consumer and business complaints
  • taking action against rule breakers
  • helping people understand their rights and responsibilities.

State and territories

State and territory consumer regulators enforce the law in their jurisdiction.

Most agencies help resolve disputes between consumers and businesses.

For details on how the regulators work together to manage and enforce the Australian Consumer Law, see Memorandum of Understanding

Australian Competition Consumer Commission

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is the national regulator.

It manages national issues affecting trade and business to make sure that consumer protection and fair trading laws are upheld across Australia.

Australian Securities and Investments Commission

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) regulates financial services and products.

Consumer protections for financial products and services are covered under similar rules in the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001.

To read these rules, visit Federal Register of Legislation’s Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001

Back to top