CHOICE has welcomed the Federal Government's announcement that CHOICE will be one of the first advocates empowered to make designated complaints to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
The new function, similar to the 'super complaints' function in the UK, will mean that any such complaints submitted to the ACCC by CHOICE must be considered and publicly responded to within 90 days. Ordinarily, complaints to the ACCC do not require a public response and are not subject to any timeframe requirements.
Quotes attributable to CHOICE Director of Campaigns and Communications, Rosie Thomas:
"CHOICE is delighted to be one of the first advocates to be given this special status. Our rigorous and independent product and service testing, consumer research and tip-offs from our 400,000-strong supporter and member base across Australia make CHOICE uniquely positioned to identify the biggest issues facing consumers and bring them to the ACCC's attention."
"The UK's 'super complaints' function has led to significant positive change for consumers, including stronger protections against scams following a complaint from UK consumer group, Which?."
"CHOICE looks forward to working with consumers and other consumer groups to make our first 'super complaint'. We encourage all consumers to tell us what dodgy business practice they think warrants a 'super complaint' ."
Consumers can have their say on the consumer issues important to them at: www.choice.com.au/2024campaigns
Editor's notes:
Since 1959, the Australian Consumers' Association (now known as CHOICE) has been a fiercely independent, proudly nonprofit and non-partisan national consumer organisation. Our mission is to work for fair, safe and just markets that meet the needs of Australian consumers. We do this through independent testing, reliable research, advocacy and journalism. CHOICE's work is supported by passionate CHOICE members and supporters across Australia.
Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
