Consumer Law

Consumer and Australian Consumer Law advice in Melbourne. Orange Legal Group advises businesses on ACL compliance and helps consumers enforce their rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Australian Consumer Law?

The Australian Consumer Law (ACL) is a national law that applies to all businesses operating in Australia. It covers consumer guarantees for goods and services, misleading and deceptive conduct, unfair contract terms, product safety and unconscionable conduct. It is enforced by the ACCC at the federal level and by Consumer Affairs Victoria at the state level.

What are consumer guarantees?

Consumer guarantees are automatic rights that apply to goods and services sold to consumers — they cannot be excluded by contract. Key guarantees include that goods are of acceptable quality, fit for the purpose they were sold for, match their description and come with clear title.

What is misleading or deceptive conduct?

Misleading or deceptive conduct is conduct that leads, or is likely to lead, a person into error. It includes false advertising, misleading product descriptions, false statements about price or origin, and deceptive sales practices. It does not require an intention to mislead — the effect of the conduct is what matters.

Can a business exclude consumer guarantees in their terms and conditions?

No. Consumer guarantees under the ACL cannot be excluded, restricted or modified by contract. Any term in a contract that purports to exclude consumer guarantees is unenforceable. However, for commercial buyers — not consumers — different rules apply and rights can be modified.