Consumer Law

When it comes to understanding and navigating the intricate realm of consumer rights and protections, you need experienced Consumer Law Lawyers by your side. 

At Stephen Wawn & Associates, we’re your partners in comprehending and utilising the nuances of Australian Consumer Laws whether you’re a consumer or a business needing legal advice to ensure compliance. 

If you’re unsatisfied with your purchase or think you have suffered from some deceptive practices from a vendor, consider contacting our consumer law lawyers in Sydney. 

As your consumer protection lawyer, we can explain the rights you have when purchasing a product or service. Additionally, we can let you know how the ACL applies to your unique situation: such as if your purchase was overseas, online, or somewhat irregular. 

Consumer Guarantee

Under Australian Consumer Law, consumers are entitled to certain guarantees when buying goods and services from an Australian supplier, importer or manufacturer to ensure that you get what you have paid for. These guarantees are outlined in the ACCC’s Consumer Guarantees: Guide for Consumers, and are applicable only to purchases on or after 1 January 2011.

When you face a problem or one of these guarantees are not met, you are entitled to a remedy:

• Repair
• Replacement
• Refund
• Have the service performed again

You are covered under the ACL’s consumer guarantee whenever your buy, hire, lease or purchase services, that cost less than $100,000. 

You are also covered under Australian Consumer Laws for purchases over $100,000 that are usually used for personal, domestic or household purposes. Vehicles and trailers are covered by ACL consumer guarantee provision, regardless of cost.

If you have been given goods or services as a gift, you will also have the same rights as the person who bought them. 

How Long is the Australian Consumer Law Guarantee?

The duration of guarantees under Australian Consumer Law scan varies depending on the nature of the product or service. Consumer guarantees apply to goods and services for a reasonable time dependent on a number of factors like the type of product, its intended use, and how a consumer is likely to use the product.

Australian Consumer Laws are complex, ever-changing and can be difficult to navigate, especially while you’re running a business. At Stephen Wawn & Associates, our legal team are experienced in advising on applying the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 to ensure regulatory compliance and assisting companies in resolving issues when they come up. 

The Australian Consumer Law is a vital piece of legislation designed to safeguard the interests of consumers in Australia. It is part of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (previously the Trade Practices Act 1974), which outlines various regulations related to consumer protection and fair trading. 

The ACL offers consumers a comprehensive framework of rights and remedies when dealing with suppliers of goods and services.

Who Enforces the Australian Consumer Law? 

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is the authoritative body responsible for enforcing the Australian Consumer Law. The ACCC monitors business practices, investigates complaints, and takes legal action against those who breach the law.

Key Principles of Australian Consumer Law

• Fairness: ACL promotes fairness in consumer transactions, ensuring that consumers are not taken advantage of by businesses.

• Transparency: Businesses are obligated to provide accurate and clear information about their products and services.

• Accountability: The law holds businesses accountable for any false claims, misleading information, or breaches of consumer rights.

What Does the Australian Consumer Law Cover? 

The scope of the Australian Consumer Law is broad and all-encompassing. It covers a wide range of areas, including but not limited to:

• Consumer Guarantees: These ensure that the goods and services you purchase meet certain standards of quality and performance.

• Unfair Contract Terms: The ACL prohibits businesses from including unfair terms in their standard form contracts.

• Misleading and Deceptive Conduct: It’s illegal for businesses to engage in false, misleading, or deceptive conduct when promoting their products or services.

• Product Safety: The law sets stringent safety standards for products to prevent harm to consumers.

• Consumer Rights in Transactions: ACL provides consumers with rights in various transaction scenarios, such as refunds, repairs, replacements, and more.

At Stephen Wawn & Associates, our team of adept Consumer Law Lawyers in Sydney is dedicated to providing you with expert guidance and representation. Don’t let confusion or breaches of consumer rights hold you back – reach out to us for clarity, protection, and peace of mind with your business or personal dealings. 

Contact us today to better understand your rights or obligations under Australian Consumer Laws.

As a Civil and Commercial law firm, our lawyers can also assist you with legal advice in bankruptcy and insolvency, Commercial Civil Litigation as well as alternative dispute resolutions.