CCAAC Review of Statutory Implied Conditions and Warranties

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Abstract:

Following a recommendation in the Productivity Commission’s Review of Australia’s Consumer Policy Framework, the Australian Government announced a review of statutory implied conditions and warranties by the Commonwealth Consumer Affairs Advisory Council (CCAAC) on 12 March 2009.

CCAAC will examine the following matters as part of its review:

• the adequacy of the current laws on implied conditions and warranties;
• the need for any amendments to the current laws on implied conditions and warranties and, if so, how those amendments would improve existing laws and better empower regulators to ensure compliance with those laws;
• the need for 'lemon laws' in Australia to protect consumers who purchase goods that repeatedly fail to meet expected standards of performance and quality, specifically in relation to motor vehicles;
• the existence of extended warranties in the market place and their interaction with laws on implied conditions and warranties; and
• other means for improving the operation of existing statutory conditions and warranties in Australia.

CCAAC’s work will inform the development of the Australian Consumer Law led by the Ministerial Council on Consumer Affairs.

CCAAC is required to report to the Minister for Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs, the Hon Dr Craig Emerson MP, by 30 October 2009.

On 26 July 2009, CCAAC commenced public consultation on its Issues Paper, Consumer rights: Statutory implied conditions and warranties. Further details on this consultation are available at www.treasury.gov.au.

If you have any queries in relation to the review, please send your query via email to: ccaac@treasury.gov.au.

Additional Information

Assistant Treasurer – Media Release – Review of Statutory Warranty and Conditions (12 March 2009)

Assistant Treasurer – Keynote Address to National Consumer Congress – Fair Markets for confident consumers: Delivering an Australian Consumer Law (12 March 2009)

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