Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe, is encouraging NSW businesses to contribute to a review of the Australian Consumer Law.
According to a NSW Fair Trading media release, the review of the Australian Consumer Law kicked off in late March with the release of an Issues Paper. The Issues Paper specifically focuses on why Australia has consumer policy, the legal framework of the Australian Consumer Law, administering and enforcing the Australian Consumer Law and emerging consumer policy issues.
According to the official Australian Consumer Law website, this review is the first since the Laws’ implementation in 2011. The review will involve consideration from public submissions on the effectiveness of the current laws and their administration, as well as current and future issues with the laws.
Stowe emphasised the importance of the review and submissions from the public in NSW Fair Trading’s media release.
“We are at an important crossroads. One of the fundamental questions is ‘should the ACL continue to be a generic law capable of applying to an evolving market place or do we need specific provisions that respond to some of the new business models that have appeared in recent years like electronic commerce and the shared economy?'”
The review is being undertaken by Consumer Affairs Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ). Public submissions are due 27 May, as well as submissions, the second Australian Consumer Survey is also underway and its findings will contribute to the review. CAANZ will release an interim report later this year with a final report due March next year.
More information, including where to make a submission and fact sheets on the Australian Consumer Law, the Australian Consumer Law Review and the Australian Consumer Survey can be found here.