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No cross-subsidy in Auspost: ACCC
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has not found the Australia Post to be guilty of cross-subsidy between the services they provide after releasing an eighth assessment report.
Dairy farmers collectively bargain with Woolworths
The ACCC has decided to allow seven dairy farmers from Manning Valley in New South Wales to collectively bargain with Woolworths and Milk2Market for three years.
ACCC rejects electronic retailers' ad proposal
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has rejected Narta International's proposal to set a minimum advertising price on a range of consumer electrical goods.
ACCC teach businesses about their rights
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has released a free online education program for small businesses.
Thumbs up to casual leasing code
The Shopping Centre Council of Australia has been given the okay for its casual mall licensing code of practice until 31 December 2017.
ACCC, Visa goes to court
Legal proceedings in the Federal Court have begun with the ACCC alleging Visa had misused its market power.
Cotton On's $1M fine
Cotton On has been fined or selling unsafe children's nightdresses and pyjamas.
New casual leasing code proposed
The ACCC is seeking draft determination submissions on its proposal to authorise the Shopping Centre Council of Australia for its Casual Mall Licensing Code of Practice.
Coles signs ACCC retail acquisition agreement
Coles has reached an agreement with ACCC to establish a protocol for single supermarket acquisitions.
ACCC launches shopping app
The ACCC has launched a new smartphone application to educate consumers while shopping.
Harvey Norman franchisees go to court
Legal proceedings against 11 Harvey Norman franchisees for allegedly misrepresenting consumer rights have begun in the Federal Court in Sydney.
ACCC warns of risks of buying online
ACCC has advised consumers on how to avoid potential safety issues when making online purchases
HP in court for misleading warranties
The ACCC has provided a timely reminder for manufacturers and retailers to abide by Australian Consumer Law when it comes to providing warranties and servicing information to customers.
ACCC sets guidance for country of origin
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has launched new steps to provide customers with advice about country of origin labelling claims and olive oil claims.
Franchisee complaint levels improving
Better education and more discerning buyers have resulted in an improvement to the number of complaints being made against franchisors, according to ACCC deputy chair Michael Schaper.
ACCC calls for comment on Woolworths' proposal
The ACCC has called on for comments on Woolworths’ proposed acquisition of a supermarket site in Glenmore Ridge in Sydney.
ACCC addresses market power issues
At the Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association Annual Conference, ACCC chairman Rod Sims addressed issues of misuse of market power and unconscionable conduct.
Carbon price complaints not widespread, ACCC says
Over 630 complaints were received by the ACCC about the carbon price since the commencement of the carbon pricing mechanism at the beginning of July.
ACCC warns franchisors: Don't make promises you can't keep
The franchising industry has again come under scrutiny from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, with the regulator issuing a warning to franchisors not to mislead potential franchisees.
Woolworths' proposed acquisition open for comment
The ACCC has called for for comment on Woolworths/Lowe's joint venture's proposed acquisition of three hardware stores owned by G Gay & Co in Victoria.
Online regulation proving tough for ACCC
ACCC chairman Rod Sims said the ACCC's priority is to engage with the online world to ensure appropriate competition laws are enforced
ACCC grants furniture retailers bargaining power
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has granted Homemakers Furniture and Sleepzone Bedding retailers to collectively bargain with a range of suppliers.
ACCC seeks court order against Apple
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is seeking orders against Apple for allegedly misleading consumers about the 'New iPad'.
ACCC alerts small businesses on scams
Six-hundred million dollars is what false billing scams are costing the small business sector, the Australian Competition and Consumer 2011 Target Scams report has unveiled.
Scams on the rise, ACCC reports
Scam reports have almost doubled for the second consecutive year, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
ACCC propose changes to bargaining rights
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has proposed to allow Homemakers Furniture & Sleepzone Bedding retailers to collectively bargain
ACCC takes Flight Centre to court
The ACCC is alleging the company attempted to induce competitors to enter into price fixing arrangements with them.
Suppliers dob on Woolies, Coles
Suppliers to the two supermarket giants have dobbed them in to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for "unconscionable conduct'".
Woolworths' liquor acquistion in question
The ACCC s seeking comment on Woolworth’s proposal to acquire a takeaway packaged liquor licence in Rocherlea, Tasmania.
ACCC launches consumer rights campaign
Retailers need to get their return policies in order after new consumers rights have been introduced and enforced by the ACCC.
Harvey Norman fined $1.25M
Harvey Norman has been penalised $1.25 million by the federal court in Brisbane for misleading advertising after the ACCC took legal action against the retailer.
ACCC gives in to Metcash
This comes after the federal court dismissed the ACCC's appeal against Justice Emmett’s decision on Metcash's acquisition of the Franklins supermarket business.
ACCC considers federal courts' decision
This comes in the wake of the federal court dismissing the ACCC’s application to prevent Metcash from acquiring the Franklins business.
Metcash finally takes over Franklins
Metcash has given the all clear from the federal court to take over Franklins from Pick n Pay Retailers for a price of $189.3 million.
ACCC reviewing Woolies' liquor deal
Woolworths is seeking approval from Australia's competition watchdog to acquire a takeaway liquor licence in an area in which it already operates three liquor stores.
ACCC launches product recall app
The ACCC as become tech-savvy with the launch of its Recalls Australia iPhone app to provide easily accessible information on recalled consumer goods.
ACCC gets tough on consumer law
The federal court has has been penalised Sontax Australia $40,000 for breaching product safety standard following action by the ACCC.
95,000 product recall success
As part of the ACCC's national product safety surveillance program, almost 100 retailers were issued with warnings as a result of stocking unsafe products.
NANA receives negotiation rights
The ACCC has granted full authorisation to the NANA to collectively bargain with NSW Lotteries on behalf of their members.
ACCC to monitor franchise sector
Chairman of ACCC Rod Sims has said that as the franchising sector is an important part of the economy, more regulation is needed.
Cotton On under fire
The ACCC is taking legal action against Cotton On Kids and Cotton On Clothing, after alleging that the company was selling children’s nightdresses and pyjamas that were made from unsafe fabric.
Metcash gets tick of approval
This comes after the Federal Court decided not to grant the ACCC an interim injunction to restrain the process until a full appeal is heard and determined.
ACCC's battle against Metcash continues
The ACCC has applied to the Full Court for an interim injunction, which would restrain Metcash’s move until ACCC’s appeal is heard and determined.
ACCC appeals as Metcash proposes acquisition
The ACCC is appealing against the Federal Court’s decision to dismiss its application to prevent Metcash from acquiring the Franklins supermarket business.
Metcash wins acquisition rights
The federal court has dismissed the ACCC's application to prevent Metcash from acquiring the Franklins supermarket chain from Pick 'n Pay Retailers.
Mandatory reports see product recalls
The ACCC received a total of 911 mandatory reports that resulted in 40 recalls in the first six months of the mandatory reporting product safety requirement.
Cole's milk prices are legal, ACCC says
The ACCC has revealed that there is no evidence that Coles' heavy discounting on house brand milk is breaching the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
Calls for ACCC to probe acquisition of REDgroup online retail
Australian booksellers have raised concerns over Pearson Australia Group's acquisition of the REDgroup online business.
Court penalises online ugg boot trader over australian made claims
Online trader Marksun Australia has been penalised $430,000 for engaging in false and misleading conduct including $100,000 for unauthorised use of the Australian Made logo.
Harvey Norman franchisees pay up
Six Harvey Norman franchisees have each paid $6,000 in infringement notices for advertising a video camera that they did not stock.
Businesses may incur higher postage fees
The ACCC has issued its preliminary view on Australia Post's proposal to increase prices across a number of its monopoly business mail letter services.
ACCC gives green light to Woolies
After consulting with competitors, suppliers and customers, the ACCC has pproved Woolworth’s proposed acquisition of The Cellarmasters Group.
National POS sign in consultation
The ACCC is in consultation with retailers and consumers on a draft national point of sale sign that will be designed to provide consumers with information on their basic return/refund rights under the new consumer guarantees regime.
Dimmeys fined $400,000
The ACCC had alleged that in May and June 2010 Dimmeys sold children's dressing gowns which did not carry any fire hazard warning label as required by the standard.
ACCC chairman steps down
ACCC spokesperson Brent Rebecca told RetailBiz that an internal email went out to staff announcing his intention to step down but no further comments would be made.
ACCC warn SMEs of grant scams
The ACCC has warned small business operators and entrepreneurs to beware of unauthorised websites offering easy access to government grants.
Supplier guilty of price fixing
The ACCC has accepted court enforceable understandings from Dragon Alliance South Pacific after it broke the law by engaging in resale price maintenance.
Metcash, ACCC court case begins
This comes after the ACCC was seeking to block Metcash from acquiring 79 corporate stores, 10 franchised stores plus all Franklins stores in NSW from Pick n Pay Retailers for approximately $215 million.
Telstra shops get bargaining rights
The ACCC has granted authorisation to TLSA to collectively bargain with a range of suppliers on behalf of Telstra licensed shops for five years.
Metcash gets case ready
Metcash said it is currently preparing its case for when it meets the ACCC in the Federal Court after the company's decision to acquire the Franklins supermarket chain was overruled by the consumer watchdog.
Woolworths dobs on Bunnings
Woolworths has confirmed with Retailbiz that it has lodged a complaint with the ACCC over the behaviour of Wesfarmer's hardware retailer Bunnings.
Aus, US sign product safety deal
Under the agreement, issues that will be address include coordinating assessments of product safety risks and reducing the risk of injuries and fatalities associated with consumer products in the two countries.
No more dodgy business
The first of its kind, the free MyShopRights iPhone app, developed by Consumer Affairs Victoria will enable consumers to negotiating with a salesperson about their rights in getting on-the-spot refunds, repairs or replacements.
ACT gov encourages competition
The floor space test comes as response to a request by the ACCC in 2008 for all jurisdictions to investigate ways to challenge the dominance of the major chains Coles and Woolworths.
Ugg boots retailer in trouble
The consumer watchdog alleges that from at least June 2010 Marksun Australia represented on various websites its ugg boots were made in Australia when ithey were in fact made in China
New Year, new law
As we all celebrated into the New Year, it also meant that the changes to the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) came into effect on 1 January, 2011.
ACCC alleges safety standard breach
The consumer watchdog alleges Fantastic Furniture, Spotlight and Smash Enterprises supplied bean bag covers that did not comply with mandatory consumer product safety standards.
M Webster caught out on refund policies
David Lawrence, Jigsaw and Marcs have paid $19,000 in infringement notices following the ACCC investigation into their refund policies.
Getting the labels right
An independent survey commissioned by the ACCC found that major supermarkets around the country have achieved a 98 per cent level of compliance while online traders rated only 35 per cent compliance.
More regulation needed, Choice says
Choice has toasted to the first birthday of the grocery unit pricing in supermarkets but said the ACCC needs to be more forceful on those who fail to comply with the pricing law.
The pressure is on for Metcash
The company saw its wholesale sales rise 5.8 per cent to $5.94 billion while its EBITA grow 7.7 per cent to $199.4 million for the six months to October 31 2010.
Metcash, ACCC to meet in court
The ACCC will be undertaking legal action to prevent Metcash from acquiring the Franklins supermarket chain from South Africa's Pick n Pay Retailers.
ACCC overrules Metcash acquisition
Metcash said it will be closely reviewing its options after the ACCC rejected its proposed acquisition of the Franklins supermarket business.
Retailers invited to discuss new law
The ACCC is inviting businesses to attend a free seminar and webinar to learn about the product safety system changes that have been made under the ACL.
Pick n Pay's plan B
Franklins’ parent company Pick n Pay has announced that it has an alternative exit strategy in place if the ACCC do not approve its sale to Metcash.
Metcash, ACCC to hold talks
Last month, the consumer watchdog raised concerns that the acquisition of Franklins’ wholesale and retail business could reduce competition in the wholesale grocery market.
Liquor retailers granted bargaining rights
Liquor Stax sought authorisation, on behalf of a group of around 200 small businesses comprising liquor merchants and hotels, to collectively bargain with around 60 wholesale suppliers.
ACCC to consider Metcash's deal
The ACCC has expressed its concerns about Metcash's proposed acquisition of the Franklins' 85 supermarkets.
ACCC, ACMA warn 3D TV retailers
The ACCC and ACMA have warned retailers about their misleading or false marketing for 3D television sets.
Collective bargaining for liquor retailers
The ACCC has proposed to authorise Liquor Stax Australia to collectively bargain with a range of wholesale suppliers.
ACCC: mandatory product safety reporting
To be enforced from 1 January 2011, the reporting regime has been introduced by the ACCC.
Melbourne entrepreneur slams bricks and mortar retailers
Melbourne entrepreneur and businessman Ruslan Kogan has slammed traditional bricks and mortar retailers for failing to innovate in the face of a changing marketplace.
Panasonic bonus Nintendo Wii promotion misled consumers
As a result of action by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the federal court declared that Panasonic Australia misled consumers in its 2008 Bonus Wii promotion.
ACCC tells Nokia to fix its refund policies
Consumers will be better able to exercise their warranty and refunds rights at Nokia Care Centres after Australian Competition and Consumer Commission intervention.
Online retailer misleads consumers on warranties and refunds
An online retailer of computers, software and electronic goods has amended its site and will consider some warranty claims after Australian Competition and Consumer Commission intervention.
Online retailer faces court for misconduct
An online electronics retailer and its director have been slammed by the Federal Court of Australia for engaging in misleading and deceptive conduct over the offer for sale of electronic goods on several websites.
ACCC helps online shoppers and small business to avoid scams
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has issued two new publications to help online shoppers and small business owners avoid scams.
Breaching Trade Practices Act to cost a lot more, says ACCC
Retailers beware, the ACCC will be pursuing tougher penalties for anti-competitive behaviour including cartels, according to chairman of the ACCC Graeme Samuel.
Major supermarkets to phase out restrictive leases
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has made further agreements with major supermarket operators to phase out restrictive provisions in supermarket leases.
Vodafone Hutchison faulty handset policy under scrutiny
The ACCC has sent a strong message to other mobile phone retailers to lift their game, after investigating Vodafone Hutchison Australia's policies for faulty mobile phones.
ACCC says no to Mobil sale
The ACCC is opposing the proposed acquisition of Mobil Oil Australia's retail assets by Caltex Australia.
ACCC accuses another retailer for using false prices
Another bedding retailer has got into trouble with the ACCC, after it raised concerns over the genuineness of their recommended retail price representations.
Snooze in trouble over misleading advertising
Bedding retailer Snooze is offering $50 vouchers after misleading customers with their advertising campaign.
Woolworths gets clearance for Danks acquisition
Woolworths' and Lowe's takeover bid for Danks will go ahead after clearance from the ACCC.
Big W recalls flammable children's sleepwear
Big W has recalled 27 styles of children's sleepwear after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission revealed that the nightwear was incorrectly labelled 'low fire danger'.
Supermarket agreement paves way for more competition
The agreement between ACCC and Coles and Woolworths to phase out all restrictive provisions in supermarket leases will create opportunities for smaller players such as Aldi.
ARA welcomes change to supermarket leases
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) supports the ACCC's plan to phase out all restrictive provisions in supermarket leases.
ACCC and Coles reach agreement on lease arrangements
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has reached an agreement with Coles and Woolworths to change the way lease agreements with shopping centre landlords are managed.
ACCC saves newsagents $20 million
Prompt action by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has relieved many Australian small businesses of having to pay for useless equipment.
Caltex acquisition bad news for retail market
NRMA motoring and services president Wendy Machin wants the Australian Government to prevent Caltex's proposed purchase of 302 Mobil service stations.
ACCC takes class action against Allphones Retail
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has initiated class action proceedings against Allphones Retail and three individuals seeking damages on behalf of 74 current and former Allphones franchisees.
Foodworks acquisition of Coles stores to be completed in 2010
FoodWorks shareholders have voted in support of FoodWorks' purchase of 45 Coles stores, eight with adjoining liquor outlets, which means the acquisition can now proceed as planned.
Mitre 10 admits to misleading consumers
Mitre 10 Australia has admitted that it engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct and made a false representation about the price of goods when it advertised its '20 per cent off storewide' sale in February this year.
Competition keeps big supermarkets in check, says ACCC
Graeme Samuel, chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has said that some people need a reality check when it comes to the activities of major supermarkets.
ARA supports ACCC investigation into retail leases
The ACCC has started an investigation into restrictive lease arrangements between shopping centre landlords and tenants.
Cash-back program to curb consumer complaints
A unique 'verified' compliance program to curb escalating customer complaints about cash-back and gift promotions is now available in Australia.
Optus subsidiary in trouble for sale of pre-paid phone cards
Prepaid Services and Boost Tel are to face court for allegations in relation to the sale of their pre-paid phone cards.
ACCC takes legal action against online retailer
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has started legal proceedings against Ozdirect Online Brands and its director Paul Albright for alleged contraventions of the Trade Practices Act 1974.
ACCC issues guidance on unit pricing for grocery retailers
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has issued guidance for grocery retailers about their obligations under the new unit pricing code.
Furniture retailer forced to apologise for misleading consumers
Furniture and bedding retailer Super A-Mart has been forced to apologise for potentially misleading consumers, following an ACCC investigation into advertisements run in January, September and October 2007.
Coles offloads 45 stores
Coles is transferring 45 supermarkets and eight associated Liquorland stores across four states to the independent Australian-owned food and grocery retail group, FoodWorks.
Foodworks to purchase Coles' unwanted stores
FoodWorks is planning to purchase 45 Coles stores, eight with adjoining liquor outlets, subject to approval by FoodWorks shareholders and the ACCC.
Vodafone and Hutchison merger gets green light from ACCC
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has officially announced that it will not oppose the merger of the Vodafone Australia and Hutchison 3G Australia mobile businesses.
Vodafone and Hutchison merger under threat
The planned merger between Vodafone and Hutchison is under threat, with the ACCC delaying its final decision on the deal after seeking further information from each party.
Competition well hidden at grocers
The head of the competition regulator has questioned whether the supplier of packaged goods for most independent grocers may be helping to push up grocery prices.
