The ACCC has revealed the number of small businesses queries in the last six months has jumped 30%, reflecting an “obvious need” for current information and advice on new competition law reform.
Nearly 5,000 small businesses made contact with the ACCC in the second of half of last year, up from 3,700 in the past six months.
Acting Chair Dr Michael Schaper states that “alleged misleading conduct, false representations and consumer guarantees” remain “the top issues” reported to the ACCC.
“Many of the businesses contacting us are at least ten years old. Despite being well established, there is an obvious need for up-to-date information and advice to deal with various competition and consumer challenges”.
During the period, 4,946 small businesses, 279 franchise businesses and 255 agricultural traders made contact with the ACCC.
In the last six months, the ACCC’s online small business resources notched nearly 750,000 webpage views.
The watchdog’s latest report emphasises several new changes which affect small businesses including “competition law reform”, the “ban on excessive payment surcharges” and “new laws for unfair contract terms”.
The regulator affirms that small businesses are “encouraged” to learn more about their rights and responsibilities:
“As business regulation continues to evolve, small businesses are encouraged to learn more about their rights and responsibilities. The ACCC is always working to ensure that information and advice is readily available for business”.
The ACCC states its recently updated ‘Small Business & the Competition and Consumer Act’ is a comprehensive guide for small businesses, providing crucial information on a range of aspects including; “pricing, unfair contract terms, treating customers fairly, selling safe products and resolving disputes”.
Individuals can read more here.
