16 November 2011

Federal Member for Werriwa, Laurie Ferguson MP, today welcomed the release of guidelines by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to help businesses provide accurate claims of any cost increases from the placement of a price on carbon pollution.

“These guidelines will help educate companies who are not among the top 500 carbon emitters who feel the cost of their goods or services have been impacted by pricing carbon emissions.

They will also provide confidence and certainty for consumers who may be targeted by unscrupulous or simply, misguided traders who believe that a price on carbon can be utilised to increase profit margins.” Laurie said.

The Federal Government has provided $12.8 million to the ACCC to assist businesses accurately cost their goods. They have also been given new powers including fines of up to $1.1 million to investigate businesses who seek to take advantage of consumers with false and misleading claims about the impact of carbon pricing.

While the impact of carbon pricing is expected to be modest, pricing models in most businesses are fluid and always subject to change.

The new guidelines make it clear that the ACCC can oblige suppliers and businesses to substantiate any claims. They also reinforce the golden rule that claims made in TV and Radio advertising, catalogues, labels or websites are required to be factual. Person to person communications whether face to face, via telephone or email are also subject to the same scrutiny.

Business and consumers are encouraged to visit www.accc.gov.au/carbon for further information.

Contact: Laurie Ferguson 9829 7477