National Disability Insurance Scheme
Business that supply NDIS supports must comply with the Australian Consumer Law.
Specialist disability accommodation relies on private investment. Make sure your contract is clear and fair.
Aged and retirement services
Aged care in Australia covers a few different services such as retirement villages, community care and home care. Consumers have rights under consumer law for home care services.
Before signing a retirement village contract, consumers should get independent legal advice and understand the purchase and payment model, costs, and the facilities and services.
Energy
We guide consumers on how they can find the best electricity deal. The information is mainly for New South Wales, south-east Queensland and South Australia. We provide sources for other areas to compare electricity costs.
If you’re struggling to pay your energy bill, contact your electricity company and let them know. Your local Energy Ombudsman can help resolve problems with your energy company.
Solar panel systems and home batteries can help reduce your electricity costs. Make sure you know your consumer rights and all your options when deciding to invest in solar products.
Telecommunications and internet
There are many different mobile plans on offer, so choosing a plan that suits your needs can be difficult. We provide information on how to understand different plans, and how to pick one that is right for you.
Prevent unexpected bills by knowing how to reduce costs when using your mobile phone service.
Consumers have rights under the Australian Consumer Law when they buy a product or service, including a mobile phone service.
Unauthorised transfer occurs when a consumer is switched from one service provider to another without agreeing to it.
Travel and transport
Consumers should always do their research before buying a new or second-hand car. Knowing what is needed when buying cars and asking some key questions can help you minimise problems.
If you’re hiring a car, make sure you understand your rights and follow our guidance before hiring or signing a contract and returning the car.
Under Australian law, products and services that consumers buy come with automatic guarantees that they will work and do what they’re supposed to do. Consumer guarantees apply to caravans and other recreational vehicles.
The basic consumer rights known as consumer guarantees apply to travel, including the guarantee that services are provided within a reasonable time.
There are many suppliers of foreign currency services, not just banks. To get the best price we recommend you compare different suppliers and be prepared to switch between them.
In Australia, petrol, diesel and automotive LPG prices are deregulated – that is, they are not controlled by the government. The market determines Australian fuel prices.
Other products and activities
Businesses selling funeral products and services must not mislead consumers, offer contracts with unfair terms, or take advantage of a consumer’s vulnerability.
Choosing the right private health insurance policy can be confusing. We have information to help you understand the important issues.
Real estate agents must give consumers truthful information and must not mislead consumers to encourage higher offers.
ACCC action on buying products and services
The ACCC has commenced Federal Court action against Kmart Australia Ltd, a subsidiary of Wesfarmers (ASX: WES), alleging it breached the Australian Consumer Law by selling millions of units of cosmetic nail glue without adequate warnings and thousands of units of button battery products which did not comply with mandatory standards.
The ACCC is seeking views from Australian consumers and businesses as it launches public consultation for its Mobile Services Inquiry.
Consumers, businesses, community organisations and other interested parties can have their say by either completing an online consumer survey or making a submission in response to the ACCC’s discussion paper.
Consumers, businesses, community organisations and other interested parties can have their say by either completing an online consumer survey or making a submission in response to the ACCC’s discussion paper.
Digital Imaging Express Pty Ltd, trading as digiDirect, has paid $99,000 in penalties after the ACCC issued it with five infringement notices for making allegedly misleading discount claims.