The ACCC has announced a dedicated carbon hotline and online complaint form for consumers who think they are being ripped off by unjustified price rises.
The announcement has been welcomed by Member for Eden Monaro, Dr Mike Kelly.
“The Government has been completely open about the impact of the carbon price on household prices” said Dr Kelly.
“Treasury modelling shows that the carbon price will only increase prices by about 0.7 per cent – less than one cent in the dollar.”
“So any business out there considering making misleading claims about the impact of the carbon price should be aware the ACCC is going to come down on them like a tonne of bricks.”
The Federal Government has provided the ACCC with $12.8 million over four years to establish a dedicated team to take on any business trying to take advantage of consumers.
The ACCC will use its powers under the new Australian Consumer Law to protect consumers by investigating and potentially prosecuting, with the power to impose penalties of up to $1.1 million.
“Of course the vast bulk of businesses do the right thing by their customers- but to give households peace of mind, the ACCC will be watching like a hawk for dodgy claims about carbon pricing and so will I” said Dr Kelly.
“You can call the hotline on 1300 303 609 or find out more at www.accc.gov.au/carbon. Please also feel free to contact my Electorate Office on 02 6284 2211 with any information on false claims”.