Competition watchdog issues guidance to expanding disability services market

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has released a suite of resources outlining the rights and obligations of consumers and providers in the emerging disability marketplace.

The free resources released last week include educational videos, fact sheets, industry guidance and an easy English consumer guide to competition and consumer law.

ACCC deputy chair Delia Rickard said the materials had been specifically designed to help consumers when buying goods and services under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

“The NDIS provides many consumers with disability the opportunity to exercise choice and the power to make purchasing decisions for the first time in relation to their disability needs,” she said.

The commission said new and existing businesses in the disability sector must comply with their obligations under the Competition and Consumer Act, which includes the Australian Consumer Law.

“During the NDIS rollout we expect to see a range of new entrants in the market which is good for competition but we are concerned about the potential for unscrupulous traders to take advantage of vulnerable consumers,” Ms Rickard said.

“With such a big change in this sector it is important for people with disability to understand their rights and for businesses to treat consumers fairly and in accordance with the law.”

The resources include a guide for businesses selling to and supplying consumers with disability and information for people with disability and their families on consumer rights and protections and steps to take to resolve a problem.

Access the resources here