The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has urged businesses to consider carefully any claims that they are intending to make about price increases due to the incoming carbon price.
‘One month away from the introduction of the carbon price is a timely opportunity for businesses to consider what claims they want to make about the impact of the carbon price, and the need to do so with a reasonable basis’ ACCC Deputy Chair Dr. Michael Schapper said.
The statements coincided with the release of the updated Carbon Price Claims – Guide which aims to assist business operators in understanding their rights and obligations when making price impact claims regarding the carbon price.
The guide states that ‘As a business, you are entitled to increase your prices as you see fit—it is business as usual. Leading up to and following the start of the carbon price, the same legal obligations not to mislead or deceive apply’.
The guide reminds business operators that any statements made regarding price increases due to the carbon price will be subject to scrutiny and that any claims must be supported through appropriate means.
The Carbon Price Claims – Guide can be found here.