Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)
(formerly the Trade Practices Commission)

About

From ACCC site, 'what we do' (2011)

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is an independent statutory authority. It was formed in 1995 to administer the Trade Practices Act 1974 (renamed the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 on 1 January 2011) and other acts.

The ACCC promotes competition and fair trade in the market place to benefit consumers, business and the community. It also regulates national infrastructure industries. Its primary responsibility is to ensure that individuals and businesses comply with the Commonwealth's competition, fair trading and consumer protection laws.

In fair trading and consumer protection its role complements that of the state and territory consumer affairs agencies which administer the mirror legislation of their jurisdictions, and the Competition and Consumer Policy Division of the Commonwealth Treasury.

As well as education and information the ACCC recommends dispute resolution when possible as an alternative to litigation, can authorise some anti-competitive conduct, and will take legal action when necessary. We provide a range of plain language publications, most being available on this website.

ACCC initiatives include promoting consumer education in rural areas and with indigenous communities.

 

Chairs - ACCC

	2011 (1 August) - Rod Sims Rod Sims was nominated by the Gilliard Government in May and was appointed by the Governor-General on 17 July following unanimous support by the states and territories. View blog piece on the nomination of Rod Sims.
	2003 - 31 July 2011 Graeme Samuel
	1995 - 2003 Professor Allan Fels

Chairs - TPC

1988 - 1991
Professor Robert Baxt

Feb 1985 - Feb 1988
Bob McComas

1965-1985
Ron Bannerman

 

Legislation (CCA)

Part II - The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

 

Rod Sims