ACCC launches free internet-based training program

Trade practices issues affect just about every aspect of business today - advertising, price setting, and dealing with consumers and other businesses. It is important for all businesses, large and small, to have an effective compliance program.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission today launched a free Internet-based training package, 'Best & Fairest', to help businesses understand their rights and responsibilities under the Trade Practices Act 1974.

"It is in everyone's interest that no business gets away with breaking trade practices law", ACCC Small Business Commissioner, John Martin, said today. "Any breach means harm to consumers and gives the perpetrator an unfair advantage over their competitors.

"Having a compliance manual or distributing material to staff is a good start. However, for a complete compliance program, a business needs to create a culture of trade practices compliance from junior staff through to senior management".

Best & Fairest comprises several self-contained modules that can be tailored to suit the training needs of the business. It sets out the law in plain language, using examples to illustrate key provisions. The package has been developed in consultation with key industry bodies, compliance professionals and small businesses. Comprehensive on-line testing was undertaken, with overwhelmingly positive responses. This feedback formed the basis of changes to ensure the final product is simple to navigate, in 'plain-english', and relevant to the full range of business experience.

"It is important to remember that compliance education is only one part of a compliance program. Where a business encounters specific trade practices issues, it may need to consult its business or legal adviser, or a trade practices professional", Mr Martin said.

"I encourage all businesses, large and small, to use Best & Fairest as a starting point to develop and improve trade practices understanding and a culture of compliance within their organisation".

The Internet training package also includes guides for specific industries to help them identify their trade practices risks. These guides are for retailers, primary producers, and service industries. They link to other, more detailed publications that are available on the ACCC website.

To access the Internet training package, visit the Compliance Programs - Best and Fairest section of the ACCC website. Best & Fairest is also available in hardcopy ($100) and as on CD ROM ($20).