The ACCC has issued a guide advising consumers of their rights and protections under the Trade Practices Act and how they can enforce those rights.
Know how to complain also provides information on the role of the ACCC and in particular what the ACCC can and cannot do for consumers who feel a particular business has not met its fair trading obligations. The publication also provides details of other agencies and dispute resolution schemes that can assist consumers.
Copies of Know how to complain can be ordered through the ACCC Infocentre on 1300 302 502 or downloaded from www.accc.gov.au.
Product safety
The ACCC has acted to protect consumers from the dangers of a number of unsafe products in the Australian marketplace.
Court-enforceable undertakings were accepted from two furniture importers and suppliers that had been supplying a type of children’s bunk bed that did not comply with the mandatory product safety standard for bunk beds. The companies each undertook to stop supplying bunk beds that do not comply with the mandatory consumer product safety standard and to implement or upgrade trade practices law compliance programs.
ACCC Chairman Graeme Samuel warned consumers about a highly toxic novelty seed product that had been found on, then recalled from, the Australian market. Mr Samuel advised consumers that the seeds were highly toxic and could cause death if ingested.
