Australia: Consumer Law

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has initiated Federal Court proceedings against Amazon AU, alleging that subscription contracts for Amazon Prime contain unfair terms allowing significant service changes...

New South Wales has introduced sweeping reforms to real estate agent conduct through the Property and Stock Agents Amendment Act 2026, dramatically increasing penalties for underquoting and exploitative practices. The legislation imposes new procedural requirements including mandatory Statements of Information, stricter price advertising rules, and penalties reaching up to $110,000 or three times commission earned.

For most people who buy one, buying a franchise in Australia is among the largest financial commitments they will ever make. It is also a decision usually reached with enthusiasm already formed: by the time a prospective franchisee begins serious evaluation, they have generally decided the opportunity is attractive. Careful evaluation is not there to displace that enthusiasm but to test it, so that the commitment is one you have examined rather than assumed.

On 14 May 2026, the Federal Court of Australia (the Court), in a prosecution commenced by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), found that Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd (Coles)...

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors measure how responsibly a company operates across its environmental impact, treatment of people, and standards of governance. As investors, customers, and employees demand greater accountability, ESG oversight has become a core board responsibility, not an optional add-on.

Misrepresentation in commercial contracts can expose businesses to significant legal and financial consequences, particularly where inaccurate statements, misleading disclosures, or unrealistic forecasts induce entry into a transaction. Under Australian law, parties may pursue remedies through both common law misrepresentation claims and statutory misleading or deceptive conduct provisions under the Australian Consumer Law, with potential outcomes including rescission, damages, and compensation orders.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from Aidacare Pty Ltd after the healthcare equipment supplier admitted to making false or misleading representations about consumer rights and using unfair contract terms. This case demonstrates how standard form contracts that limit consumer guarantees can face regulatory scrutiny, with remedies extending to all affected customers over a defined period.

Australia's mandatory security standards for consumer smart devices commenced this week on 4 March 2026, introducing three baseline cyber requirements for consumer‑grade products...

The Competition and Consumer Amendment (Unfair Trading Practices) Bill 2026 (Cth), released by the Federal Government this month will amend the Australian Consumer Law to prohibit...