Competition and Consumer Point-in-Time Service Updates

The Competition and Consumer Point-in-Time Service has been updated to include the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Fair Go for Consumers and Small Business) Act 2024 (Cth) (No. 16 of 2024).

Act 16 of 2024

The Act amends the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) to introduce a new designated complaints function that requires the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to assess, and respond to, designated complaints submitted by designated complainants. These amendments implement one part of the Government's Better Competition election commitment to establish a 'super complaints' function within the ACCC.

The amendments made by the Act will:

• provide a framework to empower designated complainants (such as consumer and small business advocate organisations) to submit designated complaints to the ACCC. These complaints must relate to a significant or systemic market issue that affects consumers or small businesses in Australia, and either a potential breach of the Principal Act or the ACCC's powers or functions under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth);
• require the ACCC to prioritise and assess such complaints, respond in a timely manner, and act where appropriate; and
• require the ACCC to publish certain information on such complaints on their website to ensure transparency.

These amendments have been updated in the Point-in-Time Competition and Consumer Service current to 16 April 2024. (NB: Subscription required).

If you are not already a subscriber to this or other Point-in-Time Services then please contact us to find out more or to take a free trial.