The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has today launched its new ACCC Carbon Price Claims Hotline.
“The ACCC Carbon Price Claims Hotline, 1300 303 609, and online carbon price claim form, will make it easier for consumers and business to complain if they suspect false price claims are being made about the carbon price,” ACCC chairman Rod Sims said.
“The ACCC is concerned that consumers may be duped into accepting a price increase for a product or service because of the carbon price, when the carbon price is actually not the cause.”
“Through the Carbon Price Claims Hotline, the ACCC invites complaints about false or misleading carbon price claims.”
“While businesses are free to set their own prices, if they make claims about the impact of the carbon price these need to be truthful and have a reasonable basis.”
“A business that makes a good faith, reasonable approach to calculating the carbon price for their business has nothing to fear from the ACCC. However businesses seeking to mislead consumers by making false price claims about the carbon price can expect a call from the ACCC.”
“The ACCC hotline will make it easier for consumers and small business to alert the ACCC if what they’re seeing doesn’t look quite right. Consumers or businesses can contact us if they think a carbon price claim is false.”
To report a claim or for further information on the ACCC’s role in relation to carbon price claims and a range of associated publications for businesses and consumers, visit the ACCC website. Suspect claims can also be reported on 1300 303 609.
Background
Pursuant to a Direction received from the Treasurer on 31 July 2011, the ACCC’s role in relation to carbon price claims is to ensure that businesses are not making false or misleading claims that link the price increases of their goods and services to the carbon price.
The ACCC’s role does not include formally monitoring, setting or restricting price rises.