The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is an independent Commonwealth statutory authority whose role is to enforce the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 and a range of additional legislation, promoting competition, fair trading and regulating national infrastructure for the benefit of all Australians. The ACCC’s purpose is to make markets work for consumers, now and in the future. The role of the ACCC is to protect, strengthen and supplement the way competition works in Australian markets and industries to improve the efficiency of the economy and to increase the welfare of Australians.
The ACCC will take action where this improves consumer welfare, protects competition or stops conduct that is anti-competitive or harmful to consumers, and promotes the proper functioning of Australian markets.
The ACCC priorities are reflected in four key goals:
- maintain and promote competition and remedy market failure
- protect the interests and safety of consumers and support fair trading in markets
- promote the economically efficient operation of, use of and investment in monopoly infrastructure
- increase our engagement with the broad range of groups affected by what we do.
WANT TO KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS WHEN IT COMES TO FURNITURE? BUY YOUR COPY OF AFA Consumer Guarantees – Furniture HERE.
AFA Members can learn more about Member discounts and Member Resources by visiting Member Resources.
Not an AFA Member? Simply register HERE or contact us on membership@australianfurniture.org.au
Visit the ACCC site HERE.
LATEST NEWS
Bunks and Bean Bags top the list of failures
A further nine furniture product safety recalls were reported to the ACCC this month, with Bunk Beds and Bean Bags heading the list and eBay being amongst the sellers under scrutiny. Retailers have been warned to meet their obligations. Concerns are increasing over...
Focus on furnishing industry standards now at critical point
Standards are applied to protect buyers, consumers and users. They are used to demonstrate a commitment to the community’s expectation of a safe and sustainable Australia and are recognised as a value-add to Australia’s economic efficiency, trade and international...
Consumers to benefit from increased penalties under Australian Consumer Law
Federal Parliament has increased maximum financial penalties under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). In its final report on the ACL Review, Consumer Affairs Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) recommended penalties for a breach of the ACL be raised from $1.1 million...
AMAZON & EBAY SUBJECT TO RECALLS OF FURNITURE PRODUCTS – ACTION REQUIRED
A further three furniture product safety recalls have been reported this week, with all three posing a potential choking/suffocation hazard to young children. Concerns are increasing over product that is not only unsafe, but that also does not contain the necessary...
IKEA recall of children’s furniture still on the minds of young families
In recent times the headlines have read ‘IKEA Re-announces recall of MALM and other models of chests and dressers due to serious tip-over hazard; 8th child fatality reported; consumers urged to choose between refund or repair. These headlines have been related to US...
Buying furniture for a venue? Top Tips for venue operators to avoid the risks of litigation.
In recent months the Australasian Furnishing Association (AFA) has assisted a number of furniture industry businesses to manage litigious situations. The increase in insurance claims is due to the lack of understanding by venue operators in procuring the correct...