Australian Competition and Consumer Deputy Chair Michael Schaper will address the Chamber of Commerce WA in Perth tomorrow about the ACCC’s activities in the first 100 days since the commencement of the carbon pricing mechanism.
“The ACCC received almost 2,500 complaints and enquiries in the 100 days since 1 July, with the majority coming from consumers and small businesses seeking information or wishing to report concerns about carbon price claims made in the marketplace,” Dr Schaper said.
In the same 100-day period the ACCC received over 40,000 non-carbon complaints and enquiries. Dr Schaper attributed the relatively small number of complaints to education and early enforcement outcomes.
“The ACCC has undertaken a number of education and awareness initiatives with large and small businesses alike, explaining the do's and don'ts when it comes to carbon pricing,” Dr Schaper said.
In August, Dr Schaper hosted an interactive webinar on carbon price claims, which gave small businesses an opportunity to ask questions and receive the latest advice.
“The low complaint levels certainly indicate that most businesses have acted in accordance with the law. When they have not, we have contacted them quickly and worked with them to help them comply,” Dr Schaper said.
Examples of representations addressed include a West Australian refrigerant gas supplier passing on price increases that in the ACCC’s view may have attributed all the increase to the carbon price, when this was not the case.
“The ACCC continues to work with the industry providing guidance to avoid making misleading statements.”
Dr Schaper will also address the John Curtin Institute in Perth tomorrow, outlining several scams targeting the business community and explaining the best methods of protection and detection. The ACCC runs the SCAMwatch website and is working with Curtin University business school to research and help small businesses from scam activity.
“Recent Curtin research into small business victims showed that those with an online presence are more likely to be victims. Common small business scams include bogus business directory entries, false domain names and business registrations and phony self-employment opportunities,” Dr Schaper said.
“With 36% of the Australian population being exposed to a scam in 2010-11 and a loss of $85 million, the ACCC understands the importance of educating individuals on how to recognise, avoid and report scams. The SCAMwatch website is an important tool for understanding how scams work, what scams exist and where to report if necessary,” he said.
For more information on scams visit www.scamwatch.gov.au.