Articles and Legal Updates

Are you aware of the ACCC’s industry code audit powers? – October 2011

Since the expansion of the ACCC’s enforcement powers on 1 January 2011 under the Australian Consumer Law reforms, the ACCC now possesses extensive audit powers to monitor compliance with industry codes prescribed under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. Currently, four industry codes are prescribed under this legislation, including: the Franchising Code, the Horticulture Code,… Read More

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Mergers & Acquisitions: Competition Law Considerations following the Metcash decision – October 2011

The recent Federal Court decision in relation to the Metcash and Franklins proposed acquisition, highlights the commercial challenges that companies or businesses will face, if the competition regulator, the ACCC, refuses the merger/acquisition clearance and takes legal action to restrain the acquisition. This update provides a summary of the Federal Court decision, ACCC v Metcash,… Read More

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Australian Consumer Law Update: Consumer Guarantees & Warranties: Is Your Business Compliant? – September 2011

Australia’s new consumer law regime, implemented under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, introduced a comprehensive new framework of statutory consumer guarantees, which came into operation on 1 January 2011. This update provides an overview of the new consumer guarantees regime, discusses the impact of the Australian Consumer Law Regulations on businesses, and outlines the… Read More

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Australian Consumer Law Update: Do you “green wash”? Avoiding Green Marketing Legal Traps – March 2011

“Green washing” in advertising, is a powerful marketing tool, enabling advertisers to tap into the growing consumer market for environmentally friendly products and services. In response to the increased proliferation of green marketing in recent years, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (‘ACCC’) is cracking down on unsubstantiated or misleading “green” claims. If your business… Read More

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Trade Practices Update: New Consumer Laws commencing 1 January 2011 – December 2010

Under the Australian Consumer Reforms, the Trade Practices Act 1974 is being replaced by the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. Businesses must review and update their trade practices compliance procedures and manuals, existing contracts, warranties/guarantees to ensure compliance with the new regime. The Competition and Consumer Act involves a substantial restructure of the Trade Practices… Read More

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