Trade & Commerce
Business Law in Australia
Running a business in Australia means dealing with several regulators: ASIC for company registration, the ATO for tax, the ACCC for competition and consumer law, and Fair Work for employees. This is an overview of the main obligations.
Registering your business
Sole traders, partnerships and companies all need an Australian Business Number (ABN). Companies are registered with ASIC and receive an Australian Company Number (ACN). Choose a structure that fits your liability, tax and growth plans.
Australian Consumer Law
The Australian Consumer Law (ACL) is contained in the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. It guarantees consumers rights to refunds, replacements and repairs for goods and services that are not of acceptable quality or do not match their description.
Contracts
A contract requires offer, acceptance, consideration and intention to create legal relations. Standard form consumer contracts are subject to unfair contract terms protections enforced by the ACCC and ASIC.
Employing staff
Employers must comply with the Fair Work Act 2009, the National Employment Standards, the relevant Modern Award or enterprise agreement, and superannuation, tax and workers compensation laws.