What Are Your Key Rights Under Consumer Protection Laws in 2025?
- Arida Lawyers
- Jul 8
- 5 min read
You’ve just bought a new laptop. It looks great, but after two days, the screen flickers and the battery dies within an hour. You take it back, only to be told there are no refunds. Sound familiar?
In 2025, consumer protection laws are designed to protect Australians from situations just like this. Whether you're shopping online or in-store, knowing your rights isn't just helpful — it’s essential. These rights ensure you're not taken advantage of, and that businesses play by the rules.
What Does the Australian Consumer Law Cover?
The Australian Consumer Law (ACL) is the primary piece of legislation that safeguards everyday shoppers. It applies nationwide and covers goods, services, warranties, guarantees, advertising, and even contracts.
The ACL ensures that:
Businesses treat consumers fairly
Products meet quality expectations
Services are delivered with care and skill
Contracts are not one-sided or misleading
This framework is enforced by agencies like the ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) and local consumer protection offices.
What Are Your Main Consumer Rights Under ACL?
Under the 2025 version of the ACL, you’re entitled to several core protections when buying goods or services. These include:
Consumer guarantees
The right to refunds, repairs, or replacements
Protection from misleading conduct
Clear terms and fair contracts
Remedies for faulty goods and services
Let’s break them down further.
What Are the Differences Between Goods and Services Rights?
Your rights vary slightly depending on whether you're purchasing a physical product or a service. Here's a helpful table that outlines the key differences:
Consumer Rights – Products vs Services (2025)
Feature / Guarantee | Physical Products | Services |
Quality Standard | Acceptable quality, fit for purpose | Due care and skill, fit for purpose |
Right to Refund | Yes – if faulty or not as described | Yes – if not delivered as agreed |
Repair/Replace Option | Yes – for minor faults | Rectification of service |
Major Failure Remedy | Refund, replacement, or compensation | Full or partial refund |
Complaint Timeframe | Based on reasonable product lifespan | Based on time of issue detection |
What’s the Difference Between Major and Minor Failures?
Not all problems are treated the same. Australian Consumer Law separates issues into major and minor failures.
Major vs Minor Failures Under ACL
Type of Failure | Definition | Remedy Available |
Minor | Can be fixed within a reasonable time | Repair, not refund |
Major | Unsafe, not as described, or unfixable in a reasonable time | Refund, replacement, or compensation |
If a product or service issue is major, you get to choose your remedy. If it’s minor, the business decides how it will be resolved — usually by repair.
What Are Common Situations Covered by Consumer Law?
Here are examples where consumer rights often apply:
Receiving faulty goods like electronics or appliances
Paying for services not completed or done poorly
Encountering misleading advertising
Signing up to a subscription with unclear cancellation policies
Experiencing price discrepancies between advertised and charged prices
These everyday problems are exactly what the law is there to address.
What Are Your Rights When Buying Online?
Consumer laws still apply when buying online, whether from an Australian retailer or from an overseas business targeting Australians.
Key points include:
You’re entitled to the same guarantees as in-store purchases
Clear refund policies must be provided
Products must match descriptions and images
Hidden charges or unclear delivery costs may breach ACL standards
Always review terms before confirming an online order, especially with new or international businesses.
What Should You Watch Out For as a Consumer?
Keep an eye out for the following red flags that may indicate your rights are being compromised:
Signs that say "No refunds" – These are illegal and misleading
Unclear or missing warranty terms
Pressure-selling tactics or false urgency
Businesses refusing to acknowledge faults
Unexpected terms in small print (especially online)
Being aware of these tactics helps you protect yourself before issues arise.
How Have Consumer Laws Changed in 2025?
Some important updates in 2025 include:
New rules for Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services now requiring credit assessments
Tighter regulation of unfair contract terms for both consumers and small businesses
Stronger focus on digital platforms, including misleading ads on social media
Increased penalties for businesses breaching the ACL
These reforms were introduced to keep up with how consumers shop and interact with brands in the digital age.
When Should You Seek Legal Advice for a Consumer Issue?
If you're struggling to resolve a dispute with a business, or unsure whether your rights apply, getting legal support can make a real difference.
That’s where Arida Lawyers can assist. We specialise in consumer protection matters and can help you:
Understand your rights in complex or high-value purchases
Draft or review service contracts to ensure fairness
Deal with businesses refusing to honour warranties or remedies
Lodge complaints or take legal action where necessary
At Arida Lawyers, we believe in standing up for everyday Australians. Whether you’re battling a retail giant or negotiating a refund for services gone wrong, we’re here to ensure the law works for you — not against you.
References
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission – Compliance and Enforcement Priorities 2025–26
Consumer.gov.au – Australian Consumer Law
News.com.au – BNPL services now regulated under credit laws
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What should I do if a business refuses to give me a refund for faulty goods?
Under the ACL, you are entitled to a remedy. Begin by making a formal complaint to the business. If they still refuse, you can contact your local consumer protection agency or seek legal assistance.
Q2: Can a business legally say “No refunds”?
No. Businesses are not allowed to display or enforce blanket "no refund" policies. This breaches consumer law and can be reported.
Q3: What is considered a major fault?
A major fault includes products that are unsafe, significantly different from the description, or cannot be fixed in a reasonable time.
Q4: Do I have the same rights when I buy online?
Yes. Online purchases are protected under the same consumer guarantees as in-store purchases, provided the seller is based in or targets Australia.
Q5: Can I get a refund on a service that didn’t meet expectations?
If the service wasn’t delivered with due care and skill or didn’t meet its intended purpose, you may be entitled to a refund or rectification.
Q6: What’s the best way to resolve a dispute without going to court?
Start with direct communication. If that fails, mediation or support from consumer protection bodies can often resolve issues without legal proceedings.
This article provides general information relevant to our expert services. It is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. If you are seeking legal advice, you should contact us for a free initial consultation.
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