The Australian Consumer Law (ACL) is a single, national consumer law that aims to protect consumers and ensure fair trading in Australia.
It applies from 1 January 2011 and includes unfair contract terms legislation introduced on 1 July 2010.
The ACL replaces previous Commonwealth, state and territory consumer protection legislation. It is contained in the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
More...Parts 3–5 of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) (which forms Schedule 2 to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010) contain provisions on product liability. Under these provisions, consumers can seek compensation or damages for personal injury or other loss caused by a safety defect in products supplied by a manufacturer.
Goods with a safety defect are those that are not as safe as what people are generally entitled to expect.
More...A service for or relating to the:
of consumer goods of a particular kind.
Without limiting any of the above, the definition also includes any other service that relates to the supply of consumer goods of that kind.
More...Includes using consumer goods for their primary, normal or intended purpose, using the goods for an unintended purpose, or misusing the goods.
This reminds suppliers that they need to take into account the way a consumer good might be used - rather than just whether it is free from defects - when considering their responsibilities to consumers.
More...A recall is:
This can be achieved voluntarily by the supplier, or in response to an order by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer responsible for competition and consumer policy.
More...an acute physical injury or illness that requires medical or surgical treatment by, or under the supervision of, a medical practitioner or a nurse (whether or not in a hospital, clinic or similar place).
It does not include:
includes duties, work, facilities, rights or benefits provided in the course of business, for example:
someone who, in trade or commerce, sells goods or services and is commonly referred to as a 'trader', 'retailer' or 'service provider'.
More...Includes:
The Trade Practices Act 1974 (TPA) has been renamed the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (CCA).
The CCA deals with almost all aspects of market place relationships between suppliers, wholesalers, retailers, competitors and customers. It covers anti-competitive conduct, unfair market practices, industry codes, mergers and acquisitions of companies, product safety, product labelling, price monitoring, and the regulation of industries such as telecommunications, gas, electricity and airports.
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