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?\u100 ?\u121 ?\u32 ?\u98 ?\u117 ?\u108 ?\u108 ?\u101 ?\u116 ?\u32 ?\u75 ?\u69 ?\u69 ?\u80 ?;}{\s8\f3\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri0\sb170\sa0\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf2\up0\charscalex100\keep\keepn\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang1033\sbasedon0\snext8 \u48 ?\u50 ?\u32 ?\u104 ?\u101 ?\u97 ?\u100 ?\u105 ?\u110 ?\u103 ?\u32 ?\u51 ?;}{\s9\f4\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri113\sb113\sa113\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf0\up0\charscalex100\b0\i\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang2057\sbasedon4\snext9 \u48 ?\u50 ?\u32 ?\u104 ?\u101 ?\u97 ?\u100 ?\u105 ?\u110 ?\u103 ?\u32 ?\u52 ?;}{\s10\f5\fs22\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri0\sb170\sa113\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf4\up0\charscalex100\b\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang3081\sbasedon0\snext10 \u32 ?\u99 ?\u111 ?\u110 ?\u116 ?\u97 ?\u99 ?\u116 ?\u115 ?\u32 ?\u104 ?\u101 ?\u97 ?\u100 ?;}{\s11\f0\fs18\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri0\sb113\sa0\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf0\up0\charscalex100\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang2057\sbasedon0\snext11 \u65 ?\u67 ?\u67 ?\u67 ?\u32 ?\u99 ?\u111 ?\u110 ?\u116 ?\u97 ?\u99 ?\u116 ?\u115 ?;}{\s12\f0\fs16\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri0\sb57\sa0\facenter\sl200\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf0\up0\charscalex100\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang2057\sbasedon0\snext12 \u99 ?\u111 ?\u112 ?\u121 ?\u114 ?\u105 ?\u103 ?\u104 ?\u116 ?;}{\*\cs13 \additive \b0\i \u48 ?\u49 ?\u32 ?\u98 ?\u111 ?\u100 ?\u121 ?\u32 ?\u105 ?\u116 ?\u97 ?\u108 ?\u105 ?\u99 ?;} {\*\cs14 \additive \ul0\ulc3\cf0\charscalex100\outl0 \u72 ?\u121 ?\u112 ?\u101 ?\u114 ?\u108 ?\u105 ?\u110 ?\u107 ?;}{\*\cs15 \additive \b0\i0 \u48 ?\u49 ?\u32 ?\u98 ?\u111 ?\u100 ?\u121 ?\u32 ?\u98 ?\u111 ?\u108 ?\u100 ?;}{\*\cs16 \additive \u67 ?\u104 ?\u97 ?\u114 ?\u97 ?\u99 ?\u116 ?\u101 ?\u114 ?\u32 ?\u83 ?\u116 ?\u121 ?\u108 ?\u101 ?\u32 ?\u49 ?;} {\*\cs17 \additive \b\i0\lang3081 \u67 ?\u111 ?\u112 ?\u121 ?\u114 ?\u105 ?\u103 ?\u104 ?\u116 ?\u32 ?\u98 ?\u111 ?\u108 ?\u100 ?;} {\*\cs18 \additive \u78 ?\u111 ?\u32 ?\u66 ?\u114 ?\u101 ?\u97 ?\u107 ?;}}\fet2\ftnbj\ftnstart1\ftnrstpg\ftnrestart\aenddoc\aftnstart1 {\info{\revtim\yr2012\mo9\dy6\hr12\min28}}\pard\plain \s1\f7\fs46\ltrpar\qr\fi0\li0\ri0\sb0\sa0\facenter\sl440\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf1\up0\charscalex100\b\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang2057 {\f0\fs46\b0\i0\cf0\outl0 BUSINESS SNAPSHOT\par }\pard\plain \s2\f1\fs40\ltrpar\qr\fi0\li0\ri0\sb0\sa0\facenter\sl440\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf1\up0\charscalex100\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang2057 {\fs40 UNCONSCIONABLE CONDUCT\par }\pard\plain \s3\f0\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri0\sb113\sa0\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf0\up0\charscalex100\keep\keepn\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang2057 {\fs20 It is important that businesses and consumers understand their rights and responsibilities under the law. For consumers, it helps them to ensure they are treated fairly and honestly. For businesses, it helps them to build trust with their consumers. \par } \pard\plain \s4\f0\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri0\sb113\sa0\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf0\up0\charscalex100\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang2057 {\fs20 The Australian Consumer Law (ACL) (forming part of the }{\*\cs13\fs20\b0\i Competition and Consumer Act 2010}{\fs20 )}{\*\cs13\fs20\b0\i }{\fs20 sets out a number of rights and responsibilities that serve to guide businesses in their day to day dealings with consumers and other businesses. Among other things, the ACL prohibits unconscionable conduct. Unconscionable conduct provisions also exist in the } {\*\cs13\fs20\b0\i Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001,}{\fs20 which apply to transactions involving financial products and services.\par This business snapshot provides practical tips for businesses to minimise the risk of becoming a victim of unconscionable conduct or to avoid engaging in such conduct towards other businesses or consumers. It also explains unconscionable conduct using actual examples.\par } \pard\plain \s5\f0\fs28\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri0\sb170\sa0\facenter\sl320\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf2\up0\charscalex100\keepn\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang1033 {\fs28 Understanding what unconscionable conduct means\par }\pard\plain \s4\f0\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri0\sb113\sa0\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf0\up0\charscalex100\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang2057 {\fs20 Unconscionable conduct can be a difficult concept to understand. Certain conduct may be unconscionable if it is particularly harsh or oppressive. It may also be unconscionable where one party knowingly exploits the special disadvantage of another. It needs to be more than just hard commercial bargaining; it means doing what should not be done in good conscience. The Australian courts have found transactions or dealings to be unconscionable when they are deliberate, involve serious misconduct or something clearly unfair and unreasonable. \par The ACL does not define unconscionable conduct, but it does include a number of principles to help consumers and businesses understand the type of conduct that is likely to be considered unconscionable. These principles are:\par } \pard\plain \s6\f0\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi-283\li283\ri0\sb57\sa0\tx283\tx425\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf0\up0\charscalex100\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang2057 {\fs20 \'a5\tab Unconscionable conduct under the ACL is not limited by historical judge-made law. Importantly, this means that it is not necessary to show that the weaker party suffered from a special disadvantage or disability that the stronger party took advantage of.\par } \pard\plain \s7\f0\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi-283\li283\ri0\sb57\sa0\tx283\tx425\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf0\up0\charscalex100\keep\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang2057 {\fs20 \'a5\tab A system of conduct or pattern of behaviour may amount to unconscionable conduct even if the party complaining of it suffered no loss or damage or where no individual \lquote victim\rquote is identified.\par } \pard\plain \s6\f0\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi-283\li283\ri0\sb57\sa0\tx283\tx425\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf0\up0\charscalex100\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang2057 {\fs20 \'a5\tab Unconscionable conduct is not limited to situations where there is a contract. However, where there is a contract, the courts can consider not only how the contract was entered into (for example, whether excessive pressure was used in negotiations), but its terms and how\'d1and to what extent\'d1the contract was carried out. \par } \pard\plain \s8\f3\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri0\sb170\sa0\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf2\up0\charscalex100\keep\keepn\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang1033 {\fs20 Things to consider\par }\pard\plain \s4\f0\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri0\sb113\sa0\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf0\up0\charscalex100\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang2057 {\fs20 There are a number of factors to consider when assessing whether certain conduct is unconscionable. These include:\par }\pard\plain \s6\f0\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi-283\li283\ri0\sb57\sa0\tx283\tx425\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf0\up0\charscalex100\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang2057 {\fs20 \'a5\tab The relative bargaining strength of the parties.\par \'a5\tab Whether any conditions were imposed on the weaker party that were not reasonably necessary to protect the legitimate interests of the stronger party.\par \'a5\tab Whether the weaker party could understand the documentation used.\par \'a5\tab The use of undue influence, pressure or unfair tactics by the stronger party.\par } \pard\plain \s6\f0\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi-283\li283\ri0\sb57\sa0\tx283\tx425\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf0\up0\charscalex100\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang2057 {\fs20 \'a5\tab The price, or other circumstances, under which the weaker party would be able to buy or sell equivalent goods or services.\par \'a5\tab The requirements of applicable industry codes.\par \'a5\tab The willingness of the stronger party to negotiate.\par } {\fs20 \'a5\tab Whether the stronger party has the right to unilaterally change contract terms.\par \'a5\tab The extent to which the parties acted in good faith toward each other.\par \'a5\tab Any other factor indicating that the stronger party acted with little or no regard to conscience.\par } \pard\plain \s5\f0\fs28\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri0\sb170\sa0\facenter\sl320\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf2\up0\charscalex100\keepn\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang1033 {\fs28 Practical tips to avoid becoming a victim of unconscionable conduct\par }\pard\plain \s6\f0\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi-283\li283\ri0\sb57\sa0\tx283\tx425\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf0\up0\charscalex100\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang2057 {\fs20 \'a5\tab Ensure all commercial agreements are set out in writing.\par \'a5\tab Make sure you fully understand all the terms of the transaction.\par \'a5\tab Do not sign any agreements without reading them carefully.\par } \pard\plain \s6\f0\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi-283\li283\ri0\sb57\sa0\tx283\tx425\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf0\up0\charscalex100\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang2057 {\fs20 \'a5\tab Ask for plain language explanations and obtain independent professional legal or financial advice if unsure.\par \'a5\tab If you think you are being treated differently, find out why.\par \'a5\tab Do not allow yourself to be talked into a deal that is wrong for you by high pressure sales tactics. Be wary if you are presented with tight deadlines.\par \'a5\tab Look for the best deal and attempt to negotiate the outcome you want.\par \'a5\tab Be prepared to walk away from a deal that does not \lquote feel\rquote right. It could be an unreasonable or oppressive deal. \par } \pard\plain \s5\f0\fs28\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri0\sb170\sa0\facenter\sl320\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf2\up0\charscalex100\keepn\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang1033 {\fs28 Practical tips to avoid engaging in unconscionable conduct\par }\pard\plain \s6\f0\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi-283\li283\ri0\sb57\sa0\tx283\tx425\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf0\up0\charscalex100\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang2057 {\fs20 \'a5\tab Do not exploit the other party when negotiating the terms of an agreement or contract.\par \'a5\tab Take care to be reasonable when exercising your rights under a contract.\par } {\fs20 \'a5\tab Consider the characteristics and vulnerabilities of your consumers. For example, use plain English when dealing with consumers from a non-English speaking background.\par \'a5\tab Make sure your contracts are comprehensive (without being too lengthy), easy to understand and do not include harsh, unfair or oppressive terms.\par \'a5\tab Ensure you have clearly disclosed important or unusual terms or conditions of an agreement.\par } \pard\plain \s6\f0\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi-283\li283\ri0\sb57\sa0\tx283\tx425\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf0\up0\charscalex100\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang2057 {\fs20 \'a5\tab Ensure that the consumer understands the terms of any agreement associated with the transaction and give consumers the opportunity to consider the offer properly. If the contract is long, you may decide to provide a summary of the key terms.\par \'a5\tab Observe any cooling-off periods that may apply or consider offering a cooling-off period.\par \'a5\tab Give consumers the opportunity to seek advice about the contract before they sign it.\par \'a5\tab If things go wrong, be open to resolving complaints and, where appropriate, setting aside contracts or agreements.\par \'a5\tab Do not reward your staff for unfair, pressure-based selling.\par } \pard\plain \s5\f0\fs28\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri0\sb170\sa0\facenter\sl320\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf2\up0\charscalex100\keepn\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang1033 {\fs28 Some recent examples of unconscionable conduct\par }\pard\plain \s8\f3\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri0\sb170\sa0\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf2\up0\charscalex100\keep\keepn\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang1033 {\fs20 Dealing with other businesses\par }\trowd\trql\trrh60\clvertalt\clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw20\brdrcf2\clbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw20\brdrcf2\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw20\brdrcf2\clbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw20\brdrcf2\cltxlrtb\clftswidth3\clwwidth5216\clpadt113\clpadft3\clpadl113\clpadfl3\clpadr113\clpadfr3\clpadb113\clpadfb3\cellx5216 {\pard\plain \intbl\s9\f4\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri113\sb113\sa113\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf0\up0\charscalex100\b0\i\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang2057 {\fs20 Retail leasing\par }\pard\plain \intbl\s4\f0\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri0\sb113\sa0\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf0\up0\charscalex100\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang2057 {\fs20 A landlord sought unreasonable rent for the renewal of a shop lease (which it represented as below market value) and required a very short time frame for its tenants to respond to the proposed rental offer. The landlord\rquote s conduct involved small business owners who had little or no ability to speak or read English and the landlord was aware of this. The landlord also failed to comply on an ongoing basis with Victorian retail leasing legislation and it threatened to evict or send letters of demand to certain tenants. The landlord\rquote s conduct was unconscionable because its actions were deliberate (or at least reckless), showed no regard for conscience and were irreconcilable with what was right or reasonable. \par (} {\*\cs13\fs20\b0\i 糖心原创 v Dukemaster Pty Ltd}{\fs20 )}\cell}\pard\intbl\plain {\trowd\trql\trrh60\clvertalt\clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw20\brdrcf2\clbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw20\brdrcf2\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw20\brdrcf2\clbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw20\brdrcf2\cltxlrtb\clftswidth3\clwwidth5216\clpadt113\clpadft3\clpadl113\clpadfl3\clpadr113\clpadfr3\clpadb113\clpadfb3\cellx5216\row} \pard\plain \s9\f4\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri113\sb113\sa113\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf0\up0\charscalex100\b0\i\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang2057 {\fs20 \par }\trowd\trql\trrh60\clvertalt\clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw20\brdrcf2\clbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw20\brdrcf2\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw20\brdrcf2\clbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw20\brdrcf2\cltxlrtb\clftswidth3\clwwidth5216\clpadt113\clpadft3\clpadl113\clpadfl3\clpadr113\clpadfr3\clpadb113\clpadfb3\cellx5216 {\pard\plain \intbl\s9\f4\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri113\sb113\sa113\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf0\up0\charscalex100\b0\i\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang2057 {\fs20 Unreasonable franchise conditions\par }\pard\plain \intbl\s4\f0\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri0\sb113\sa0\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf0\up0\charscalex100\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang2057 {\fs20 A franchisor demanded and obtained from some of its franchisees a 50\'caper\'cacent weekly fee increase for access to a national telephone number those franchisees relied upon to receive consumer inquiries and work. The franchisor disconnected some of the franchisees from the telephone number when they failed to pay the full fee increase and it also required existing franchisees to vary their franchise agreements to include the fee increase.\par The court found that the franchisor abused its position of strength and engaged in conduct that involved misstatements, non-disclosure of information, threats and intimidation. The court also found that the conduct amounted to unilateral profit gouging and all the elements together, demonstrated that the franchisor\rquote s conduct was unconscionable.\par (} {\*\cs13\fs20\b0\i 糖心原创 v Seal-A-Fridge Pty Ltd}{\fs20 )}\cell}\pard\intbl\plain {\trowd\trql\trrh60\clvertalt\clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw20\brdrcf2\clbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw20\brdrcf2\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw20\brdrcf2\clbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw20\brdrcf2\cltxlrtb\clftswidth3\clwwidth5216\clpadt113\clpadft3\clpadl113\clpadfl3\clpadr113\clpadfr3\clpadb113\clpadfb3\cellx5216\row} \pard\plain \s9\f4\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri113\sb113\sa113\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf0\up0\charscalex100\b0\i\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang2057 {\fs20 \par }\pard\plain \s8\f3\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri0\sb170\sa0\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf2\up0\charscalex100\keep\keepn\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang1033 {\fs20 Dealing with consumers\par }\trowd\trql\trrh60\clvertalt\clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw20\brdrcf2\clbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw20\brdrcf2\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw20\brdrcf2\clbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw20\brdrcf2\cltxlrtb\clftswidth3\clwwidth5216\clpadt113\clpadft3\clpadl113\clpadfl3\clpadr113\clpadfr3\clpadb113\clpadfb3\cellx5216 {\pard\plain \intbl\s8\f3\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri0\sb170\sa0\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf2\up0\charscalex100\keep\keepn\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang1033 {\f4\fs20\b0\i\cf0\outl0\lang2057 Unconscionable conduct in door to door selling\par }\pard\plain \intbl\s4\f0\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri0\sb113\sa0\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf0\up0\charscalex100\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang2057 {\fs20 Craftmatic was found to have used misleading and unfair sales tactics to sell beds to elderly people during the course of home presentations. Craftmatic\rquote s sales and promotional methods were designed, scripted and conducted to unduly influence potential consumers and to create and take advantage of an unequal bargaining position and as a result its conduct was unconscionable.\par (} {\*\cs13\fs20\b0\i 糖心原创 v Craftmatic Pty Ltd}{\fs20 )}\cell}\pard\intbl\plain {\trowd\trql\trrh60\clvertalt\clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw20\brdrcf2\clbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw20\brdrcf2\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw20\brdrcf2\clbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw20\brdrcf2\cltxlrtb\clftswidth3\clwwidth5216\clpadt113\clpadft3\clpadl113\clpadfl3\clpadr113\clpadfr3\clpadb113\clpadfb3\cellx5216\row} \pard\plain \s3\f0\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri0\sb113\sa0\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf0\up0\charscalex100\keep\keepn\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang2057 {\fs20 \par }\pard\plain \s9\f4\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri113\sb113\sa113\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf0\up0\charscalex100\b0\i\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang2057 {\*\cs13\fs20\b0\i}\trowd\trql\trrh60\clvertalt\clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw20\brdrcf2\clbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw20\brdrcf2\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw20\brdrcf2\clbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw20\brdrcf2\cltxlrtb\clftswidth3\clwwidth5216\clpadt113\clpadft3\clpadl113\clpadfl3\clpadr113\clpadfr3\clpadb113\clpadfb3\cellx5216 {\pard\plain \intbl\s9\f4\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri113\sb113\sa113\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf0\up0\charscalex100\b0\i\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang2057 {\fs20 Unconscionable conduct towards Indigenous consumers\par }\pard\plain \intbl\s4\f0\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri0\sb113\sa0\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf0\up0\charscalex100\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang2057 {\fs20 When selling educational materials to Indigenous people, the court found that based on his \lquote way of operating\rquote , a marketer was unconscionable in his dealings with eight consumers and in relation to Indigenous consumers in the Northern Territory generally.\par The marketer\rquote s \lquote way of operating\rquote included failing to offer consumers a written record of the contracts they entered into, which involved automatic and indefinite bank account deductions and other conditions which were not reasonably necessary to protect his legitimate business interests. The marketer was also aware of his consumers\rquote relative poverty, cultural differences and differing ability to communicate in English but did not notify the consumers about the excessive payments or that he would hold onto those payments until the educational materials had been delivered. He also failed to tell consumers how to stop the automatic payments.\par (} {\*\cs13\fs20\b0\i 糖心原创 v Ramon Lal Keshow}{\fs20 )}\cell}\pard\intbl\plain {\trowd\trql\trrh60\clvertalt\clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw20\brdrcf2\clbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw20\brdrcf2\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw20\brdrcf2\clbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw20\brdrcf2\cltxlrtb\clftswidth3\clwwidth5216\clpadt113\clpadft3\clpadl113\clpadfl3\clpadr113\clpadfr3\clpadb113\clpadfb3\cellx5216\row} \pard\plain \s9\f4\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri113\sb113\sa113\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf0\up0\charscalex100\b0\i\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang2057 {\*\cs13\fs20\b0\i \par }\pard\plain \s5\f0\fs28\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri0\sb170\sa0\facenter\sl320\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf2\up0\charscalex100\keepn\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang1033 {\fs28 \par }{\fs28 What to do next to find out more about unconscionable conduct or to sort out your problem\par }\pard\plain \s4\f0\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri0\sb113\sa0\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf0\up0\charscalex100\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang2057 {\fs20 If you want to find out more about the unconscionable conduct provisions or you wish to make a complaint, contact the 糖心原创, ASIC or your local consumer protection agency (the ACL regulators\'d1see below for details). If you are a small business, you may also choose to contact your local small business commissioner if there is one in your state or territory (see below for details).\par A business or consumer may take their own private action for unconscionable conduct by seeking damages for loss suffered or seeking an injunction to prevent an offending party from breaking the law (for example, by enforcing unfair terms). You may want to seek legal advice prior to taking such action. \par In some cases, the ACL regulators may investigate complaints and take action against businesses that have engaged in unconscionable conduct. The 糖心原创\rquote s decision to take enforcement action against a business is made in accordance with the principles set out in its } {\*\cs13\fs20\b0\i Compliance and Enforcement Policy}{\fs20 .\par }\pard\plain \s5\f0\fs28\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri0\sb170\sa0\facenter\sl320\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf2\up0\charscalex100\keepn\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang1033 {\fs28 \par }{\fs28 Contact details for the ACL regulators\par }\pard\plain \s4\f0\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri0\sb113\sa0\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf0\up0\charscalex100\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang2057 {\fs20 糖心原创 Infocentre: 1300 302 502\par 糖心原创 Small Business Helpline: 1300 302 021\par 糖心原创 website: }{\*\cs14\fs20\ul0\ulc3\cf0\charscalex100\outl0{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "http://www.accc.gov.au"}}{\*\fldrslt{ www.accc.gov.au}}}}{\fs20 \par ASIC Infocentre: 1300 300 630\par ASIC website: }{\*\cs14\fs20\ul0\ulc3\cf0\charscalex100\outl0{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "http://www.asic.gov.au"}}{\*\fldrslt {www.asic.gov.au}}}} {\fs20 \par }\pard\plain \s8\f3\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri0\sb170\sa0\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf2\up0\charscalex100\keep\keepn\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang1033 {\fs20 Your local consumer protection agency\par }\pard\plain \s4\f0\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri0\sb113\sa0\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf0\up0\charscalex100\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang2057 {\*\cs15\fs20\b0\i0 New South Wales Fair Trading\line }{\fs20 13 3220}{\*\cs16\fs20 }{\fs20 www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au\par }{\*\cs15\fs20\b0\i0 Consumer Affairs Victoria\line }{\fs20 1300 558 181 www.consumer.vic.gov.au\par }{\*\cs15\fs20\b0\i0 Queensland Office of Fair Trading\line } {\fs20 13 7468 www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au\par }{\*\cs15\fs20\b0\i0 Consumer and Business Services in South Australia\line }{\fs20 13 1882 www.ocba.sa.gov.au\par }{\*\cs15\fs20\b0\i0 Western Australia Department of Commerce\line }{\fs20 1300 304 054 www.commerce.wa.gov.au\par } {\*\cs15\fs20\b0\i0 Australian Capital Territory Office of Regulatory Services\line }{\fs20 02 6207 3000 www.ors.act.gov.au\par } {\*\cs15\fs20\b0\i0 Northern Territory Consumer Affairs\line }{\fs20 1800 019 319 www.consumeraffairs.nt.gov.au\par }{\*\cs15\fs20\b0\i0 Tasmania Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading\line }{\fs20 1300 654 499 www.consumer.tas.gov.au\par }\pard\plain \s8\f3\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri0\sb170\sa0\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf2\up0\charscalex100\keep\keepn\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang1033 {\fs20 Your state or territory Small Business Commissioners\par }\pard\plain \s4\f0\fs20\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri0\sb113\sa0\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf0\up0\charscalex100\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang2057 {\*\cs15\fs20\b0\i0 Office of the Small Business Commissioner Victoria\line }{\fs20 13 2215 www.sbc.vic.gov.au\par }{\*\cs15\fs20\b0\i0 Office of the Small Business Commissioner New\'caSouth\'caWales\line }{\fs20 1300 795 534 www.smallbiz.nsw.gov.au\par }{\*\cs15\fs20\b0\i0 Small Business Commissioner of Western Australia \line }{\fs20 Small Business Development Corporation Western Australia\line 13 1249 www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au\par } {\*\cs15\fs20\b0\i0 Office of the Small Business Commissioner South\'caAustralia\line }{\fs20 1800 072 722 www.sasbc.sa.gov.au\par } \pard\plain \s10\f5\fs22\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri0\sb170\sa113\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf4\up0\charscalex100\b\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang3081 {\*\cs17\fs22\b\i0\cf2\outl0\lang3081 糖心原创 contacts\par }\pard\plain \s11\f0\fs18\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri0\sb113\sa0\facenter\sl240\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf0\up0\charscalex100\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang2057 {\fs18 Infocentre 1300 302 502\par Website www.accc.gov.au\par For information in languages other than English, \line call 13 1450 and ask for 1300\'ca302\'ca502\par TTY service for people with hearing or speech difficulties: \line 1300\'ca303 609\u8195\'20 www.accc.gov.au\par }\pard\plain \s12\f0\fs16\ltrpar\ql\fi0\li0\ri0\sb57\sa0\facenter\sl200\slmult0\expnd0\expndtw0\cf0\up0\charscalex100\b0\i0\ul0\strike0\accnone\hyphpar0\lang2057 {\fs16 \par }{\fs16 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission\line 23 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601\par \'a9 Commonwealth of Australia 2012\par The information in this publication is for general guidance only. It does not constitute legal or other professional advice, and should not be relied on as a statement of the law in any jurisdiction. Because it is intended only as a general guide, it may contain generalisations. You should obtain professional advice if you have any specific concern.\par The 糖心原创 has made every reasonable effort to provide current and accurate information, but it does not make any guarantees regarding the accuracy, currency or completeness of that information. \par ISBN 978 1 921964 63 3\par 糖心原创 09/12_481464_482} {\f0\fs16\b0\i0\cf0\outl0 \par }}