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Australian Consumer Law (from 1 January 2011)


From 1 January 2011, Australia has a single, national, uniform consumer law for fair trading and
consumer protection. The Australian Consumer Law (ACL) replaces provisions in 20 national, state
and territory consumer laws. It applies to all businesses.

It includes:

• a new national unfair contract terms law covering standard form contracts
• a new national law guaranteeing consumer rights when buying goods and services,
  which replaces existing laws on conditions and warranties
• a new national product safety law and enforcement system
• a new national law for unsolicited consumer agreements, which replaces existing State and
  Territory laws on door-to-door sales and other direct marketing
• simple national rules for lay-by agreements
• new penalties, enforcement powers and consumer redress.

The Australian Consumer Law legislation

The following guides to aspects of the Australian Consumer Law, prepared by the Australian Competition
and Consumer Commission (ACCC), will help you understand your rights and frame your complaint:

Guides for consumers:



• The Australian Competition Law at the shops
• The Australian Consumer Law - shopping at home (door-to-door, online, by phone)
• The Australian Consumer Law and your safety
• The Australian Consumer Law and your farm

Guides for businesses and legal practitioners:

• Consumer guarantees
• Avoiding unfair business practices
• Product safety
• Sales practices
• Unfair contract terms

Compliance & enforcement guide - how regulators enforce the Australian Consumer Law

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