What the ACCC does

  • We adopt the principles and functions set out in the compliance and enforcement policy to achieve compliance with laws.
  • We provide information to help businesses implement compliance programs.
  • We may review an individual compliance program if it is part of a court enforceable undertaking.
  • We have specific tools to check businesses are complying with mandatory industry codes.

What the ACCC can't do

  • We don’t provide legal advice to business on whether their documents or practices comply with the law.
  • We don’t make formal decisions on whether a person or business has breached the law. Only the courts can do this.
  • We don’t provide legal advice on compliance programs.
  • We don’t resolve individual disputes.

Rights and responsibilities around compliance and enforcement

Fines and penalties

Breaches of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 and the Australian Consumer Law attract fines and pecuniary penalties. Some breaches are civil and can result in monetary penalties. Some are criminal and can result in monetary fines or jail time.

Claims of legal professional privilege

The ACCC's approach to claims for legal professional privilege when responding to compulsory notices. This guideline is not a substitute for legal advice.

Industry code compliance checks

The ACCC can require businesses covered by a prescribed industry code to provide information or documents they are required to keep, generate or publish.

Accepting undertakings

The ACCC accepts undertakings to encourage compliance and address conduct related the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.

Our priorities

ACCC compliance and enforcement action

Origin Energy to refund customers after ACCC investigation

Origin Energy Limited will refund over $270,000 to more than 4,500 customers after an ACCC investigation into allegedly misleading representations regarding Origin’s “Ongoing Saver” residential electricity plan.
See media releases on compliance and enforcement action