Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is an independent Australian Government statutory authority. It was formed in 1995 to administer the Trade Practices Act 1974 and the Prices Surveillance Act 1983. The ACCC promotes competition and fair trade in the market place to benefit consumers, business and the community. It also regulates national infrastructure services. Its primary responsibility is to ensure that individuals and businesses comply with the Commonwealth competition, fair trading and consumer protection laws. In fair trading and consumer protection its role complements that of the state and territory consumer affairs agencies which administer the mirror legislation of their jurisdictions, and the Competition and Consumer Policy Division of the Commonwealth Treasury.

www.accc.gov.au

Consumer & Business Directory

The Consumer & business directory (CBD) allows you to search for the contact details of over 1600 private, community and government organisations that offer consumer and business complaint-handling services, including industry associations, businesses, government agencies and independent mediation services. The CBD has been designed to make it as easy as possible for you to find the right organisation to assist you.

www.accc.gov.au

FIDO - Financial tips and safety checks

This website, called FIDO, provides financial tips and safety checks for Australian consumers and investors from the Australian Securities & Investments Commission. It covers superannuation, financial advice, shares, managed funds, insurance, banking, credit, debt, money management, warnings about scams, investing, financial information and unclaimed money.

www.fido.gov.au

For Consumers

This section of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission provides information on the rights of the consumer, such as guarantees, warranties and refunds and internet shopping. Also covers issues relating to phones, misleading conduct, GST and pricing, medical and health services, professional services and international consumer issues.

www.accc.gov.au

GROCERYchoice

GROCERYchoice is an Australian Government initiative. It helps consumers find the cheapest supermarket chain in their area without having to compare hundreds of prices.

www.grocerychoice.gov.au

Links to Useful Information for Individuals and Communities on Consumer Protection

Community.gov.au is a portal to information relevant to individuals and community organisations across Australia. On this part of the Community Portal you will find links to consumer protection resources across Australia.

www.community.gov.au

Ministerial Council on Consumer Affairs (MCCA)

Consists of all Commonwealth, State, Territory and New Zealand Ministers responsible for fair trading, consumer protection laws and credit laws. The role of MCCA is to consider consumer affairs and fair trading matters of national significance and, where possible, develop a consistent approach to those issues.

www.consumer.gov.au

Product Recalls Australia

The Product Recalls Australia web site enhances consumer safety by providing current information to consumers about product recalls.

www.recalls.gov.au

Protect Your Financial Identity

This website provides information for the public about how you can protect your financial identity in everyday life and minimise the damage if a problem occurs.

www.protectfinancialid.org.au

Scamwatch

SCAMwatch, by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC), provides information to consumers and small business about how to recognise, avoid and report scams. If you lose money to a scam, it is unlikely that you will be able to recover your loss. Prevention is definitely a better option when it comes to scams.

www.scamwatch.gov.au

Uniform Consumer Credit Code

The Consumer Credit Code was developed in response to business and consumer concerns as a national initiative to standardise credit practice in Australia.

www.creditcode.gov.au

Your rights & safeguards

Australian Communications and Media Authority page covering your right to a telephone service, the service guarantee for connection and repair of faults, interim and alternative services, priority assistance, terms and conditions of service, untimed local calls, service for people with disabilities or special needs and codes of practice.

www.acma.gov.au