Australian Watchdog To Focus On Coronavirus Cancellations

Businesses refusing to pay refunds or continuing to charge consumers for services not provided during the Covid-19 crisis will come under the scrutiny of a special taskforce set up by Australia’s consumer watchdog.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has established an internal taskforce to “identify and take action against businesses who are engaging in misconduct associated with Covid-19,” a spokesperson told Guardian Australia.

“The taskforce will focus on allegations of misconduct that impacts the rights of consumers and small businesses under competition and consumer law.

“The taskforce is designed to intervene rapidly and investigate these allegations.”

Global travel restrictions, widespread cancellation of major events, new rules against non-essential travel, and now state-level restrictions to entry of Queensland, Tasmania, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory have played havoc with Australians’ travel plans, prompting airlines to offer credit to customers whose flights were cancelled.

The ACCC advises that if an event or travel is cancelled, it “expects that you will receive a refund or other remedy, such as a credit note or voucher, in most circumstances.”

“However, if your travel is cancelled due to government restrictions, this impacts your rights under the consumer guarantees,” its advice states. “You may still be entitled to a refund under the terms and conditions of your ticket.”

Full Content: The Guardian

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