The Office of Regulatory Services assists and protects the community through the administration of fair trading legislation. The main objective is to provide information to consumers to make them aware and confident when making purchases. Fair Trading maintains very close links with the business community and assists businesses to conduct their trading in a way that reduces the likelihood of consumers experiencing problems or difficulties.
From 1 January 2011 the Australian Consumer Law commenced in the A.C.T. which introduces new national laws that apply to all consumer transactions entered into from 1 January 2011. For consumer transactions entered into prior to 1 January 2011 the Fair Trading Act 1992 and the Fair Trading (Consumer Affairs) Act 1973 still apply.
A Fair Trading Advisory Committee exists which is responsible for advising the government and the Commissioner for Fair Trading on issues affecting the interests of consumers and unfair commercial practices affecting traders.
Fair Trading also investigates breaches of fair trading laws, the safety of goods, and takes compliance action where appropriate. Sometimes complaints involve breaches of fair trading laws or codes of practice which may result in:
The action to be taken will depend upon the trader's history, the severity of the breach, and the level of consumer detriment.
