Clifford Chance

Australian Consumer Law Review

26 April 2016

Consumer protection laws have become an increasingly important issue for corporations to consider when conducting business in Australia. As in other jurisdictions, allegations of breach not only risk the imposition of significant penalties, but can also cause lasting damage to a corporation's reputation and brand. Given the growing importance of this aspect of Australian law, the current Review of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) will be relevant to many corporations carrying on business in Australia.

The Review commenced on 31 March 2016 with the release of an Issues Paper outlining the main areas of interest and seeking feedback from interested parties by 27 May 2016. The Review is being undertaken by Consumer Affairs Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ). This is the first review of the ACL since its introduction in 2011. The Review's terms of reference are broad and it has the potential to result in significant change to the ACL.

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