Australians over the age of 65 make up more than sixteen per cent of our population. We provide a wide range of information and services to help older Australians understand and use their consumer rights.
Older Australians and the ACCC
Under the Australian Consumer Law, you have rights when buying products or services, whether you buy something in-store, online, at home or over the telephone.
They include:
- the right to be treated fairly
- the right to be given accurate information before you buy
- the right to cancel a faulty service
- the right to a repair, replacement or refund if something goes wrong.
The ACCC recognises that some older Australians may be disproportionately impacted by conduct that breaches competition and consumer laws. Taking action on conduct that impacts vulnerable and disadvantaged consumers is an enduring priority for the ACCC.
Resources for older Australians
We've compiled a collection of resources to help you understand your consumer rights and to help you use these rights if something you pay for isn't right.
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Aged care
Aged care in Australia covers a number of different services such as retirement homes, home care and community care. We've developed a series of resources on consumer rights for home care, as part of a national campaign launched by consumer regulators around Australia.
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Consumers with disability
When you pay for a product or service yourself, as an NDIS participant, or through your state or territory's disability support system—you have consumer rights. These resources from Australia's consumer protection agencies are designed to help you understand and use your rights.
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Your consumer rights
Under the Australian Consumer Law, when you buy products and services they come with automatic guarantees that they will work and do what you asked for. If you buy something that isn't right, you have consumer rights.
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Misleading claims & advertising
No matter how a business communicates with you—whether it’s through advertising, packaging, online, logos, endorsements or a sales pitch—you have the right to receive accurate and truthful messages about the products and services you buy.
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Contracts & agreements
While the Australian Consumer law offers protections against unfair contract terms, it’s important to always read contracts carefully before signing, keep copies and say ‘no’ if you feel pressured by a salesperson.
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Door-to-door and other high pressure sales tactics
You have rights under the Australian Consumer Law when a salesperson approaches you at your front door, over the phone or in a public place. These protections apply to sales methods that are called ‘unsolicited consumer agreements’.
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Retirement homes
There are several types of retirement homes available under different purchase and fee paying arrangements. Before making a choice, consider the type of accommodation and facilities you’ll need now and later, the costs and contract requirements.
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Hearing aids
Choosing the right hearing aid and provider can be difficult. Before you buy a hearing aid, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself.
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Mobility scooters
It is essential that mobility scooter riders are able to use the product safely in order to avoid injury or death.
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Help with your energy bill
Energy retailers are required by law to help customers who have told them they are experiencing payment difficulties or hardship. There are also rules for when you can be disconnected for non payment.
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Protecting yourself from scams
Scams target people of all ages and backgrounds, however, some scams are more likely to target older people. Often older Australians have more money and accumulated wealth than younger people, making them an attractive target for a scammer. Find out how to protect yourself from scams.
Ladder safety video
Ladder-related injuries are on the rise for older men in Australia. Choose the right ladder for the job, don't work in wet or windy conditions, and have another person hold the ladder.
More information
Complaints & problems
Council on the Ageing
National relay service