Australian Consumer Law is not just a phrase that is without consequences for businesses and brands that hope to profit off products and services that are under par. The customer has rights that are protected under these consumer protection laws that have been drafted for a series of important purposes.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission or ACCC for short is a body that was devised to act on these consumer protection laws and to keep business in check. From warranties to customer contracts and refund concerns, there are stringent responsibilities that are placed on companies who attempt to con or shortchange individuals that invest in their product/service in good faith.
So why is this body necessary and what does it matter to have consumer protection laws in place? Here we will argue why this authority is required to step in and enforce the law when organisations fail with their basic responsibilities to the community at large.
To Cut Down on Illegal and Immoral Practices
This oversight has been necessary after a series of cases came before the federal government regarding violations to fair trading practices. From dubious outsourcing of manufacturing and development to false marketing claims and poor treatment of staff, there are times when the ACCC has to be notified and investigate on potential illegal and/or immoral practices that are putting the consumer at risk. Companies that fall foul of these regulations could face fines or expulsion as an operating entity with those decision makers incurring their own penalties due to this negligence.
To Protect Sensitive Details
Companies that are flagrant with the personal details and information of customers should be punished accordingly. From bank account details and full names, date of birth, address and contact information, this is the type of data that hackers and online criminals utilise for their own nefarious purposes. Whether it is a conscious violation to sell this data on or just a failure to protect it, consumers have a right to ensure that their sensitive personal information is not exposed to parties that did not require their own consent.
To Fight For Quality Control
The reality is that businesses who work in accordance with the ACCC and fall in line with consumer protection laws are operating in a clean, efficient and morally sound manner. That is a standard that helps foster healthy competition among commerce entities and therefore helps the consumer by accessing brands that are not running foul of basic fundamentals. It is a win-win scenario for all involved.
