Consumer Agencies
Australian Consumer Agencies
In Australia, consumer protection is handled by both national and state/territory agencies. The national agency is the ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission), while state and territory agencies regulate businesses within their specific jurisdictions. The ACCC focuses on national issues, like misleading advertising and ensuring fair trading practices, while state agencies handle local concerns.
National Agencies:
ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission):
- The ACCC is the main federal body responsible for consumer protection and fair trading. It enforces the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) and investigates businesses that mislead consumers or engage in unfair practices. The ACCC also runs the National Anti-Scam Centre and regulates Digital ID.
- https://www.accc.gov.au/about-us/contact-us-or-report-an-issue/report-a-consumer-issue
ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission):
ASIC regulates financial products and services, ensuring that financial markets operate fairly and efficiently.
State and Territory Agencies:
Access Canberra:
- Regulates consumer affairs in the Australian Capital Territory.
- Access CanberraChief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate, GPO Box 158, Canberra ACT 2601
- https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/consumer-rights/get-help-with-a-consumer-issue
- Call Access Canberra on 13 22 81
- Contact centre open hours : Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm
NSW Fair Trading:
- Regulates consumer affairs in New South Wales.
- NSW Fair Trading, PO Box 972, Parramatta 2124
- https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/
- Call 13 32 20
- If you're overseas, call +61 0 9895 0111
- Monday to Friday between 8.30am to 5pm (Sydney time).
NT Consumer Affairs:
- Regulates consumer affairs in the Northern Territory.
- 1st Floor, The Met Building, 13 Scaturchio Street,Casuarina NT 0810
- https://consumeraffairs.nt.gov.au/
- Tel: (08) 8999 1999 or 1800 019 319
- Email: consumer@nt.gov.au
Office of Fair Trading (Queensland):
- Regulates consumer affairs in Queensland.
- 1st Floor, The Met Building, 13 Scaturchio Street,Casuarina NT 0810
- https://www.qld.gov.au/law/fair-trading
- Call 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
- International callers: +61 7 3022 6100 (+10 hours UTC).
SA Office of Consumer and Business Services (CBS):
- Regulates consumer affairs in South Australia.
- 4-6 Chesser Street, Adelaide
- https://www.cbs.sa.gov.au/
- Tel: 131 882
- Customer Service Centre - 9am-4.30pm M-F
Tasmania Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS):
- Regulates consumer affairs in Tasmania.
- Consumer, Building and Occupational Services, PO Box 56, Rosny Park, TAS 7018
- CBOS.info@justice.tas.gov.au
- Telephone: 1300 654 499
- Fax: (03) 6173 0205
- Business hours 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays)
Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV):
- Regulates consumer affairs in Victoria.
- Consumer Affairs Victoria, GPO Box 123, Melbourne, VIC 3001
- https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/
- Telephone: 1300 55 81 81
- 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays).
WA Consumer Protection (Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety):
- Regulates consumer affairs in Western Australia.
- Gordon Stephenson House, 140 William Street, Perth
- https://www.consumerprotection.wa.gov.au/
- 1300 30 40 54 from anywhere in WA for the cost of a local call
- 13 36 77 National Relay Service (for the hearing impaired)
- 13 14 50 Interpreter Service
- +61 8 6251 2969 for International callers
- Contact Centre business hours are: Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri 8.30am to 4.30pm. Thurs (late opening) 9.00am to 4.30pm
- Email : consumer@demirs.wa.gov.au
- Post : Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, Locked Bag 100, EAST PERTH WA 6892
Ombudsmen:
Some industries, like energy and finance, have their own ombudsmen or dispute resolution bodies.
Small Business Commissioners:
Each state and territory also has a small business commissioner to assist small businesses with disputes.
Consumers' Federation of Australia:
A consumer advocacy group that advocates for consumer rights and provides consumer information.
International consumer protection
- The International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN) is an organisation composed of consumer protection authorities from over 60 countries. ICPEN's website provides useful information on how you can resolve cross-border disputes.
- ICPEN also maintains the eConsumer.gov website where you can report international scams and other consumer complaints.
- The US Federal Trade Commission maintains a list of consumer protection and competition authorities worldwide.
USA
The US Federal Trade Commission maintains a list of consumer protection and competition authorities worldwide.