The Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (CCA) governs the interactions among suppliers, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers. Its primary objectives are to encourage fair trade and competition while safeguarding consumer rights. The CCA addresses various aspects, including:

• Safety standards and labelling of products
• Prohibition of unfair market practices
• Monitoring of pricing
• Industry-specific codes
• Regulation of key sectors such as airports, electricity, gas, and telecommunications
• Oversight of mergers and acquisitions.

The Australian Consumer Law (ACL), which forms part of the CCA, outlines specific provisions regarding consumer treatment. Enforcement of the CCA is managed by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). In Western Australia, additional consumer protection measures are overseen by the  Consumer Protection unit within the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation, and Safety.

If you plan to sell goods or services, it is essential to understand your rights and responsibilities under the CCA. Key obligations include:

• Ensuring standard form contracts are free from unfair terms
• Upholding consumer guarantees
• Guaranteeing the safety of products and services
• Adhering to regulations on sales practices, such as pricing, customer disclosures, lay-by agreements, and unsolicited consumer agreements.