Competition & Consumer Laws

In Australia, the prohibition of anticompetitive (antitrust) conduct and the protection of consumers from unfair commercial practices are governed primarily by the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (CCA). These laws are administered and enforced by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), which has extensive powers.

Whether you are a manufacturer, importer, service provider, wholesaler, retailer, investor, franchisor, franchisee or creditor in the value chain for the production of goods or services, you will have both protections and obligations under the CCA and related laws.

Our experts advise on ACCC clearance for M&A deals and joint ventures, ACCC investigations and enforcement proceedings, misleading and deceptive conduct, consumer protection, unconscionability, and any other matter arising under the CCA.

Professionals

Kenneth Hong

Managing Partner

Tin-Lok Shea

Partner

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Commercial & Corporate,Corporate Governance,Corporate Advisory, M&A,Competition & Consumer Laws,Franchising

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Future-Proofing Australia’s Automotive Laws: Dr Jenny Buchan’s Review of the Australian Consumer Law and Franchising Code

UNSW Emeritus Professor Dr Jenny Buchan, Senior Advisor at H & H Lawyers, has completed a comprehensive review of the operation of the Australian Consumer Law and the Franchising Code of Conduct in Australia's new car market commissioned by the Australian Automotive Dealer Association. The Root and Branch Review of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) and the Franchising Code of Conduct (Code) as they apply to Buyers of New Cars (Consumers), Manufacturers (Franchisor/OEMs) and New Car Dealers (Franchisees), examines how Australia's consumer protection and franchising laws operate across the relationships between consumers, car manufacturers and franchised dealers. Commissioned by the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA), the Issues Paper constitutes Stage 1 of a broader project examining the legal and practical challenges experienced in the new car sector.

Competition & Consumer Laws

06 June 2019

Consumer law - Return of goods

Q: I bought a pair of jeans, but I couldn't wear them because the zipper broke after wearing it twice. When I asked for a return, the store clerk told me, "The jean was an on-sale item, and we do not accept returns." How can I deal with this matter? A: In Australia, the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) guarantees consumers various rights.