ACCC

Across south east Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia, new rules apply to electricity providers that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) hopes will benefit energy consumers. For manufacturers who have seen electricity prices eat into their cost margins, the new rules seek to standardise the prices that are offered by electricity retailers. … Continue reading New electricity rules seek to reduce power prices →

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced it will not oppose the proposed acquisition of Steelforce Holdings from Gupta Family Group Alliance Australia (Liberty). The proposed acquisition would combine Steelforce’s hollows manufacturing mill in Dalian, China, with Liberty’s existing long steel manufacturing assets. Mick Keogh, ACCC deputy chair, said the ACCC looked closely … Continue reading ACCC will not oppose Liberty’s acquisition of Steelforce →

The ACCC, along with the European Commission and 24 other countries, is using International Product Safety Week to focus on reducing the number of unsafe consumer products being sold online. The global OECD campaign aims to highlight the importance of suppliers and online retailers being aware of the product safety rules and regulations in different … Continue reading ACCC joins global campaign to highlight product safety on online platforms →

Faulty products continue to cause serious injury and harm to thousands of Australians, with more than 4.5 million items recalled by suppliers in the 2017-18 financial year. New figures show at least 10 people a day are injured and require medical attention as a result of unsafe products, according to mandatory reports provided to the … Continue reading ACCC: Half of all Australian homes affected by unsafe products →

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s decision to dump emission reduction targets from the National Energy Guarantee (NEG) has been criticised by the business groups, saying the move can destroy any sense of policy certainty. The Business Council of Australia (BCA) and the Australian Industry Group both issued statements following the announcement on Monday, arguing that the decision could hamper long-term … Continue reading Business groups voice concern over NEG decision →

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has made a series of recommendations in a recent report, which the ACCC believes could help manufacturing industries save up to 26 per cent on their electricity bills. The final Retail Electricity Pricing Inquiry report, released by the ACCC earlier this week,  includes a set of 56 recommendations, detailing ways to fix the National Electricity … Continue reading ACCC releases blueprint to reduce electricity prices →

More than two million Australian cars fitted with defective Takata airbags have been recalled following an investigation. Vehicle manufacturers, dealers, suppliers and importers have been ordered by the Federal Government to replace “dangerous” Takata airbags as quickly as possible. The decision was made following an inquiry by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), which consulted … Continue reading Compulsory recall orders manufacturers, dealers to replace millions of ‘dangerous’ Takata airbags →

Car manufacturer Hyundai has vowed to strengthen its compliance with consumer guarantee obligations under Australian Consumer Law (ACL). The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has accepted a court enforceable undertaking following constructive discussions with the South Korean company. “Through our new car retail market study, we identified industry-wide issues with the way car manufacturers were … Continue reading Hyundai to improve consumer guarantees approach – ACCC →

Recommendations have been tabled for changes to Australia’s new car retailing industry, insisting manufacturers need to be more transparent with new buyers around repair claims and car emissions. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has released the final report from its 18-month market study, which investigated the automotive industry’s consumer relations. It states that car manufacturers need … Continue reading Consumer law proposal for car manufacturers in Australia →

Gas prices on Australia’s East coast are still higher than they would be in a well-functioning and competitive market, according the latest report from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). Although the second interim report on the East coast gas market has shown “important short-term improvements”, it says that a substantial shortfall is likely in … Continue reading East coast gas prices ‘still too high’ despite improvement →

The ACCC has published a preliminary report into the electricity market highlighting significant concerns about the operation of the National Electricity Market, which is leading to serious problems with affordability for consumers and businesses. The Retail Electricity Pricing Inquiry preliminary report details the ACCC’s initial assessment of information it has gathered including documents and data from industry, … Continue reading ACCC report on electricity affordability, competition issues →

High gas prices are forcing some Australian manufacturers to mothball their plants before moving overseas, an official inquiry has revealed. Manufacturers have also applied to extract coal seam gas from the Surat Basin as part of the Queensland government’s plan to provide more of its gas supply to the domestic market. Published by the Australian … Continue reading Manufacturer moves offshore as inquiry reveals ‘pent-up’ gas demand →

Australian car manufacturers have been warned they must meet their consumer guarantee obligations under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) because they are squeezing dealers. As retailers, car dealers are the first point of call for consumers experiencing a problem with a faulty car. However, information provided to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and … Continue reading Car manufacturers ‘squeezing dealers’ over consumer expense – ACCC →

Car manufacturer Ford is facing court action over allegations it misled customers who had purchased faulty vehicles supplied in Australia and on-sold surrendered vehicles without disclosing systemic issues. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has launched legal proceedings against Ford Motor Company of Australia Limited, which it claims engaged in “unconscionable and misleading or … Continue reading Ford facing court over alleged faulty vehicle supply in Australia →

An investigation has been launched by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) following the largest vehicle recall in history. It comes after five car companies have confirmed to the consumer advocacy group CHOICE that they are making “like-for-like” replacements of defective airbags made by the Japanese manufacturer Takata. Honda, BMW, Subaru, Toyota and Lexus … Continue reading ACCC investigation launched amid Takata airbag recall →

In light of rising energy prices, questionable security and ever-changing policies, some manufacturers are turning to renewables to ensure reliable production, writes Stephanie Stefanovic. As energy prices continue to soar, manufacturers are increasingly being pushed out of Australia. The Federal government seems to believe reducing wholesale gas prices is the answer, with Prime Minister Malcolm … Continue reading Renewables light the way to success in manufacturing →

Food manufacturer Goodman Fielder has delayed the closure of its factory in Western Australia, due to issues with its supply agreement with George Weston Foods. Earlier this year, Goodman Fielder announced plans to cease production at its Malaga, Perth plant by April 28. The plan was to enter into a supply agreement with George Weston … Continue reading Goodman Fielder delays WA factory closure →

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) chief Rod Sims said that Australian manufacturers face lack of financial sustainability due to increasing energy prices, according to a report by the AFR. The report said that according to an analysis of national energy markets conducted by the ACCC, Australian manufacturers are too dependent on gas for power. … Continue reading Energy price hikes continue to affect Australian manufacturers →

Ex-Volkswagen (VW) chief, Martin Winterkorn, has refused to admit to the German parliament he knew about the company’s diesel emissions scandal earlier than the company’s official admission of its problems. According to Reuters, the company said that its executive board did not know about issues with the emissions reduction technology until August 2015 and formally reported … Continue reading Ex-VW chief denies early knowledge of emissions problems →

The competition regulator is watching the proposed merger of Kraft and Heinz and could act if it is likely to affect competition in the Australian grocery sector.