Addressing the Committee for Economic Development of Australia in Sydney, chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said the organisation would conduct investigations to address competition and consumer concerns in the retail sector.
“The ACCC‘s complementary mandates support the community to participate with trust and confidence in commercial life and promote the proper functioning of Australian markets,” she said.
“We will continue to pursue our priorities through strong enforcement action, education to foster compliance, and advocacy for reform.”
Cass-Gottlieb added: “Consumers are still doing it tough, and the cost of groceries and essential services have contributed to significant cost of living stress.”
The ACCC will also continue to review consumer and fair trading issues, focusing on misleading or deceptive advertising in influencer marketing and online reviews.
Claims around environmentalism and sustainability will also be reviewed, emphasising identifying and eliminating greenwashing practices.
“In the year ahead, as we progress the priorities I have outlined today, we will continue to use our full range of tools and powers available under Australia’s Competition and Consumer Act and the Australian Consumer Law, and to exercise our enforcement powers independently, in the public interest, and with integrity and professionalism,” Cass-Gottlieb said.
“We will also continue, as always, to remain clear eyed in our purpose to enhance competition across our economy, to promote the welfare of consumers and small businesses and to make markets work for all Australians.”
The ACCC recently completed a sweep of more than 2,000 retail websites and highlighted issues around return policies.
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