Australia’s intentions for a legislative ban on unfair business practices

On October 16, 2024, the Albanese Government announced its decision to implement a ban on unfair business practices in Australia, a move hailed by the Consumer Policy Research Centre (CPRC) as a significant milestone for consumer rights. The legislation aims to protect Australians from exploitative tactics, including dark patterns like subscription traps, which often make it difficult for customers to cancel services. According to CPRC research, 75% of Australians with subscriptions have struggled to cancel, with 10% continuing to pay for unwanted services, while 48% reported wasting excessive time trying to end their subscriptions. The new law also targets unfair customer service practices, such as companies intentionally avoiding complaints. By drawing on global legal standards, the CPRC views this ban as ushering in a new era for consumer rights in Australia and plans to work closely with the government to ensure its successful implementation.