ACCC to host small business webinar on carbon price claims

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is set to host an interactive webinar on carbon price claims this week, giving small businesses an opportunity to ask questions and get the latest guidance.

The online webinar will take place on Thursday 16 August, 10.00-11.00am AEST, and will be hosted by ACCC deputy chair Dr Michael Schaper.

"The ACCC is encouraging small business owners to get their questions ready and sign-up now at www.accc.gov.au/carbon," Dr Schaper said.

"The ACCC will be providing guidance on carbon price claims and addressing some of the key small business issues which have arisen since 1 July."

"While the ACCC is generally confident businesses understand their obligations, the webinar is a chance for them to find out more about their rights and responsibilities when making or considering carbon price claims," Dr Schaper said.

With the benefit of considering complaints and enquiries as well as some recent investigation outcomes, the ACCC will provide some updated guidance on supplier claims and information to support claims.

In the lead up to the introduction of the carbon price, the ACCC undertook a number of education and awareness initiatives with large and small businesses alike, explaining the do's and don'ts when it comes to carbon pricing. The webinar gives an opportunity to learn from the complaints and queries received by the ACCC, investigation outcomes to date and to link with updated ACCC guidance.

Background

Claims about the impact of the carbon price on prise rises must be truthful and have a reasonable basis.

The ACCC's focus is to ensure that businesses do not make misleading claims linking price increases to the carbon price, and can act against businesses who contravene the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.

The ACCC's role does not include formally monitoring, setting or restricting price rises related to the carbon price.

The ACCC has developed a range of guidance for businesses on carbon price claims, including:

• Carbon price claims – Guide for business
• A series of Business Snapshots , including Dealing with your suppliers and competitors, and Information to support your claims; and
• A series of web videos for small businesses.

Guidance, along with business and consumer FAQs, is available online at www.accc.gov.au/carbon

Suspect claims can also be reported by calling the ACCC's Carbon Price Claims Hotline on 1300 303 609 or by lodging a complaint online via the Carbon Price Claims Webform www.accc.gov.au/carbon.