Consumer and small business advocates will be able to submit complaints over major or systemic market issues
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is set to gain a new complaints function, granting consumer and small business advocates the ability to bring forward significant and systemic issues for investigation.
This move is part of the Albanese government’s “Better Competition” election promise and aims to address widespread concerns across various sectors including airlines, telecommunications, and supermarkets.
The legislation will enable designated advocates to submit complaints to the ACCC when they possess evidence of major or systemic market issues impacting Australians. Upon receiving a complaint, the ACCC is mandated to review and publicly respond within 90 days, detailing any further actions to be taken.
The government will soon open applications for those interested in being recognised as designated complainants, with additional information about the application process to be disclosed on the Treasury website soon. It is anticipated that the first designated complaints could be submitted to the ACCC by July.
Julie Collins (pictured), minister for small business, highlighted the initiative as a step towards supporting small businesses by ensuring their voices are heard and acted upon promptly.
“We are fulfilling our commitment to give small businesses and their representatives better opportunities to have their concerns addressed quickly,” Collins said. “This comes on top of what we have already delivered to ensure fairness is front and centre for small businesses in 2024.”
Read more: Top regulators stress consumer protection
Andrew Leigh, assistant member for competition, charities, treasury, and employment, emphasised the importance of the legislation in empowering consumer and small business advocates to challenge uncompetitive market practices.
“Competition is the consumer’s best friend,” Leigh said. “A lack of competition means people pay higher prices, and experience slower productivity growth. Because monopolies tend to gouge the vulnerable, a lack of competition worsens inequality.
“This bill helps consumers and small businesses get a fair go, by ensuring significant and systemic issues raised by their advocates are responded to quickly by the ACCC.”
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