Consumer Action and CHOICE chosen as designated complainants
The Albanese Government has announced today that Consumer Action Law Centre has been chosen as a designated complainant. This means that Consumer Action, with fellow consumer advocate CHOICE, and the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) will be able to submit complaints to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) about significant or systemic market issues affecting consumers of small businesses.
A designated complaint is like a ‘super’ complaint and is treated with urgency. Once a complaint is lodged, the ACCC will be required to consider and publicly respond to the compliant within 90 days, stating what further action, if any, will be taken in response.
“Consumer Action is delighted to have been appointed as a designated complainant. This important framework for public reporting on systemic ‘super’ complaints will put businesses engaging in harmful practices on notice and bolster consumer confidence in a fair market,” said Consumer Action Law Centre Assistant Director Policy and Campaigns, Luke Lovell.
“We look forward to working closely with the sector and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to bring forward complaints on issues that are causing widespread harm, particularly to people experiencing vulnerability.”
Each organisation has been approved as a designated complainant until 1 July, 2027.
ENDS
Media contact: Mark Pearce, Media and Communications Adviser, 0413 299 567, media@consumeraction.org.au
