The legislation


Who we are—what we do—how we work
This booklet, incorporating the AER, explains what the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is, how it works and how it makes its decisions. This publication is currently being updat...
Published: 1st January 2008. Electronic: free.

New unfair contract terms law—Draft guidance for consultation 26 March to 12 April
On 17 March 2010 the Trade Practices Amendment (Australian Consumer Law) Act (No.1) was passed as law. Under these laws there are provisions regulating unfair contract terms (UCT).  A term i...
Published: 26th March 2010. Electronic: free.

ACCC submission to the review of the Trade Practices Act
Topics addressed by the ACCC in its submission to the review of the Trade Practices Act include: the introduction of criminal sanctions for cartels an effects test and cease and desist power to co...
Published: 30th June 2002. Electronic: free.

Application of the Trade Practices Act to intellectual property: background paper
This paper examines the relationship between intellectual property rights and the Trade Practices Act 1974 . Important notice Please see the attached important notice about changes to the Trade P...
Published: 31st July 1991. Electronic: free.

Contracted employment services and the Trade Practices Act
This guide has been prepared to help current and prospective participants in the emerging competitive market for government-funded employment services. The corporatisation of the public sector prov...
Published: 30th September 1997. Electronic: free.

Australian Consumer Law - National Guides

Guidance

The ACCC, ASIC and the State and Territory consumer protection agencies have prepared guides to help businesses and legal practitioners to understand key elements of the ACL.

The guides are designed to explain the ACL in simple language, but are not a substitute for the legislation. They provide general information and examples and are not legal advice or a definitive list of situations where the law applies.

If you require further information, contact the ACCC, ASIC or your State or Territory consumer protection agency.


Avoiding unfair business practices - A guide for businesses and legal practitioners
The Avoiding unfair business practices guide covers misleading or deceptive conduct, unconscionable conduct, false or misleading representations and related offences, information standards and coun...
Published: 23rd December 2010. Electronic: free.

Consumer guarantees - A guide for businesses and legal practitioners
The Consumer guarantees guide  covers what consumer guarantees apply to goods and services, who is responsible for these guarantees and when remedies, such as refund repair and replacement are...
Published: 23rd December 2010. Electronic: free; Printed: free.

Product safety - A guide for businesses and legal practitioners
The Product safety guide  covers the new national product safety regime. The ACCC will also release guidance material to assist suppliers prepare for the implementation of mandatory repor...
Published: 23rd December 2010. Electronic: free; Printed: free.

Sales practices - A guide for businesses and legal practitioners
The Sales practices guide covers unsolicited supplies, unsolicited consumer agreements, pyramid schemes, multiple pricing, lay-by agreements, referral selling and harassment and coercion.
Published: 23rd December 2010. Electronic: free; Printed: free.

Compliance and enforcement
Compliance and enforcement with the law will be on a ‘one-law, multipleregulators‘ model, with existing consumer regulators enforcing the uniform law.
Published: 23rd December 2010. Electronic: free.

Related topics on the ACCC website

Legislation