Every day of our lives we enter into countless consumer contracts without ever giving them a single thought. Whether we are making simple purchases, such as picking up our weekly groceries, or buying expensive items such as houses and cars, we rely on consumer laws to protect us.

The primary role of the Office of Fair Trading is to manage these consumer laws and to look after the rights of consumers. At the same time, we advise businesses and traders on fair and ethical practices. Our aim is to achieve fairness for all in the marketplace.

Informing consumers and traders on their rights and responsibilities is an essential ingredient of a fair marketplace. Being informed is the best defence consumers and traders can have against scam artists.

Our website offers a variety of services, including licence checking, regular surveys so that we can find out what consumers know and want on a range of important topics. Consumers and traders can subscribe to receive regular news updates from the website and can also have their say on proposed changes to Fair Trading laws.

We have dedicated sections for young people, for Indigenous Australians and for culturally and linguistically diverse communities’ consumer rights. Also, there are real life case studies that deal with issues such as buying a car, credit cards, faulty mobile phones and bait advertising.

If you would like further information or assistance on any consumer or trader issue, you can contact the Fair Trading Information Centre on 13 32 20 or visit your nearest Fair Trading Centre.

We hope you find our website easy to use, with relevant and useful information and advice for consumers, traders, industry groups and businesses in one handy location. Use the links on the left hand grey panel to browse to the topic that interests you.

We welcome your feedback anytime.

The Hon. Linda Burney MP
Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteering