Please note: this is an old article
It was published in December 2011, so the information may be out-of-date.
The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission has prepared carbon price claims - guide for business which aims to assist business owners in understanding their rights and responsibilities in relation to making claims about the impact of carbon price.
Greater Shepparton City Council's Team Leader Business and Industry Geoff Hay encourages business to contact the ACCC to if unsure how to can claim.
"The impact of a carbon price can affect all businesses differently so the guide for business is intended to provide initial assistance to help businesses in preparing for the implementation of the carbon pricing mechanism."
In July 2011 the ACCC was directed by the Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan to undertake compliance and enforcement activities associated with carbon price claims.
One of the ACCC's key roles in respect to carbon pricing is to inform and educate businesses, including issuing guidance about their responsibilities under the Australian Consumer Law concerning any statements about impacts of the carbon price on the supply of goods and services.
"If a business makes a claim about the impact of a carbon price, the claim must be accurate, able to be substantiated and based on reasonable grounds" Mr Hay said
The ACCC's focus is to ensure businesses don't make misleading claims about price increases as a result of the carbon price. The ACCC will continue to monitor claims made by businesses.
The ACCC will continue to engage with the business community and develop further guidance, adjusting it to address questions and issues as they become apparent, including industry or sector-specific issues.
More information is available at www.accc.gov.au/carbon.