New Carbon Tax Guide

With the Carbon Tax package now on it’s way as of the 01 July 2012, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has been tasked by the Commonwealth government to monitor pricing as a result of the introduction of the package.

There is a distinct fear that there will be an increase in prices on products and services prior to the upcoming introduction of the Carbon Tax and therefore to reinforce the importance of ethical and correct pricing, the ACCC has just launched a Guide to assist businesses during this period and then after the 01 July 2012 introduction.

It is illegal to claim that a product or service is “green”, or related claims, this is known as “greenwashing”. It also illegal for businesses to increase prices on products or services, if there are no legitimate reasons for doing so. The same situation was in place prior to the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

The new Guide will provide all business types with an understanding of their rights and responsibilities, especially at this time.

ACCC chairman Rod Sims said, “Business costs increase all the time, and businesses are free to set their own prices. However, if a business chooses to raise their prices they should not misrepresent this as a result of the carbon price when it is not the case. The message is simple: if you are going to make a claim, you need to make sure it is right.”

The guide can be found in the new publications section on www.accc.gov.au