The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s latest Small Business in Focus report reveals that micro and small businesses made 7,000 complaints and enquiries from July 1 to December 31 2016.
“Over 60 per cent of business contacts were from micro enterprises of four or under employees, which isn’t surprising given that micro firms are the biggest group of businesses in Australia,” ACCC Acting Chair Dr Michael Schaper said.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has today released guidance for platform operators in the sharing economy, along with guidance for consumers, service providers and sellers outlining their rights and obligations under the Australian Consumer Law.
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Deputy Chair Dr Michael Schaper says that he is concerned that many sectors remain unprepared for changes coming into effect in November when existing unfair contracts provisions for consumers are extended to include small businesses.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is urging businesses to closely review the standard form contracts they use when dealing with other businesses.
A new law will take effect on 12 November 2016, following a 12-month transition period, that offers small businesses protections against unfair contract terms offered by other (usually larger) firms.