Australian Consumer and Competition Commission v Camavit Pty Ltd

The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) brought proceedings against Camavit Pty Ltd, a Harvey Norman franchisee, for making misleading and deceptive representations to consumers regarding their rights under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). Camavit admitted to making representations that it had no obligation to provide remedies for faulty goods, contrary to sections 18 and 29(1)(m) of the ACL. The court accepted the parties' agreed facts and submissions and made orders accordingly. The orders include declarations of contravention, an injunction preventing similar representations, a requirement for Camavit to display a summary of consumer rights, and a compliance program to be implemented by Camavit. A pecuniary penalty of $32,000 was also imposed. The court considered factors such as the nature and extent of the contravention, the absence of previous contraventions, and the company's cooperation with the ACCC in determining the penalty.