ACCC Update - November 2022
With the announcement of a new inquiry into childcare and the ongoing furor about Australian gas prices, the ACCC has again been prominent.
In this month’s highlights:
The ACCC responded to news that it would be setting up a new inquiry into the cost of childcare in Australia.
“The inquiry will look at the costs of operating childcare, including employees’ wages and property costs; the level of competition in the childcare market; the level of demand and supply; and prices charged to consumers, including any impacts of government policy.”
https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/inquiry-into-childcare-pricing-welcomed
The ACCC in its 5th report in its 5 year Digital Platform Services Inquiry recommended a range of new measures including more user friendly means to report scams, the publishing of verification processes and improvements in how consumers can access dispute resolution amongst other things.
Never too far from the news, Australia’s leading Telcos have been ordered to pay a total of $335 million in penalties for making false or misleading representations to consumers when promoting certain NBN plans.
And the ACCC instigated new proceedings in late October against US based Fitbit LLC for allegedly making false or misleading representations to consumers about their consumer guarantee rights.
“Fitbit has again come to the ACCC’s attention for allegedly misleading consumers about their consumer guarantee rights. We are taking this case against Fitbit because we consider the alleged conduct is serious and that manufacturers should have processes in place that ensure compliance with the Australian Consumer Law,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said.
https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/fitbit-in-court-over-statements-to-consumers-on-faulty-devices
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The contents of this article do not constitute legal advice and it is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. It is designed and intended as general information in summary form, current at the time of publication, for general informational purposes only. You should seek legal advice or other professional advice in relation to any particular legal matters you or your organisation may have.
