Small business's rights and obligations under the Trade Practices Act 1974 are the focus of an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission publication reissued this week.
Small business and the Trade Practices Act is a practical guide for Australian small business owners, managers and advisers. The guide discusses how small business should take the Act into account in dealing with suppliers, competitors and customers.
The publication has a strong focus on the small business owner with sections on 'You and your suppliers', 'You and your competitors', and 'You and your customers'. Readers can easily understand common scenarios and are given examples on how to deal with each situation.
Over the years there has been a significant strengthening of the unconscionable conduct provisions of the Act to recognise the special needs of small businesses. The ACCC has increased its focus on providing information and support to small businesses including a major new program in regional and rural areas.
The ACCC Small Business Program encourages small businesses to think of the Trade Practices Act as an important management tool, and compliance with the Act as part of good business practice that leads to success and profitability.
Knowing their rights and obligations under the Act will help small businesses to be professional in the way they deal with other businesses and to avoid problems. When problems connected with the Act do arise the ACCC recommends dispute resolution processes as the first and best option.
The Act helps to create an environment of certainty for small business. It prevents any business, large or small, from gaining an unfair advantage over its competitors by engaging in any misleading or anti-competitive behaviour.
In addition to Regional Outreach Officers in all States and Territories the ACCC has now established the ACCC Infocentre which provides small business with advice on the provisions of the Act itself, and its application to small business.
Small business and the Trade Practices Act is a free publication and is available by calling the ACCC Infocentre on 1300 302 502.