Australian Consumer Law + consumer protection in Western Australia

Consumer Credit Hardship Notice (NCC ss 72-73)

Credit providers must respond to hardship notice + assess variation request.

Button + coin battery safety standard (mandatory)

Suppliers of products containing button + coin batteries must meet 2022 mandatory standard.

Hold AER authorisation as energy retailer

Selling electricity or gas to small customers requires AER retailer authorisation.

Comply with mandatory product safety standards + bans (ACL)

Schedule 2 ACL — suppliers must comply with mandatory product safety standards + permanent bans.

Design and Distribution Obligations (DDO) — RG 274

Issuers + distributors of retail financial products bound by DDO from 5 October 2021.

Avoid unfair contract terms in standard form consumer & small business contracts

From November 2023, unfair contract terms carry pecuniary penalties — up to $100M per term (from 28 March 2026).

Notify ACCC of a voluntary recall within 2 days

Suppliers must notify the ACCC within 2 days of initiating a voluntary consumer product recall.

Comply with Telecommunications Consumer Protections (TCP) Code

Telcos must comply with the binding TCP Code covering credit assessment, billing, complaint handling and unwelcome contact.

Comply with General Insurance Code of Practice (ICA)

ICA Code binds member insurers on conduct + claims + complaints.

Energy Bill Relief Fund + state cost-of-living payments compliance

Retailers + suppliers administering federal/state energy bill relief must apply correctly + report.

Comply with the ePayments Code

Voluntary but industry-standard code covering electronic transaction terms, mistaken internet payments, and unauthorised transactions.

GEMS (Greenhouse + Energy Minimum Standards)

Regulated products must meet energy efficiency MEPS + display label.

Customer Service Guarantee (CSG)

Standard telephone service providers face CSG financial penalties for missed connection + repair timeframes.