Hi, I’m Dr Michael Schaper, the Deputy Chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
As you’re probably aware, a carbon price is effective in Australia from 1 July 2012. Under the scheme, a carbon price will apply to certain greenhouse emissions, with some large businesses being required to purchase carbon credits against those emissions.
While some businesses will have to purchase carbon credits, others may be affected as suppliers pass on the extra costs. Now, in either case, businesses can choose to pass on these costs by increasing their prices.
But, if your business is considering increasing its price and making a claim, you need to keep some important things in mind.
This video will help you and your business to understand your responsibilities and obligations under the Competition and Consumer Act.
The ACCC’s role in looking at carbon price claims includes:
First of all, educating businesses about their responsibilities under the Act when making a carbon price claim;
Secondly, raising awareness amongst consumers about their rights under the Australian Consumer Law; and
Finally, investigating and taking action against businesses that breach the law.
Our focus is to ensure businesses understand their responsibilities and comply with the Law.
However, our role doesn’t include formally monitoring, setting or restricting prices. We can’t stop businesses from putting up prices. But we can act against a business that makes a false or misleading claim when doing so.
