CHOICE has welcomed the federal government’s announcement that it will be one of the first advocates empowered to make designated complaints to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
Similar to the ‘super complaints’ function in the UK, the new function 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.
“Our rigorous and independent product and service testing, consumer research, and tip-offs from our 400,000-strong supporter and member base across Australia uniquely positioned CHOICE to identify the biggest issues facing consumers and bring them to the ACCC’s attention,” said Rosie Thomas, CHOICE Director of Campaigns and Communications.
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 groups to make its first ‘super-complaint’.
“We encourage all consumers to tell us what dodgy business practice they think warrants a ‘super-complaint’ .”
