Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v Burden [2017] FCA 399

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v Burden [2017] FCA 399 File number(s): WAD 267 of 2016

Judge(s): GILMOUR J

Date of judgment: 2 May 2017

Catchwords: TRADE PRACTICES – misleading and deceptive conduct – false and misleading representations as to the health effects and benefits of e-cigarette products – imposition of pecuniary penalty – principles relevant to the imposition of a penalty pursuant to s 224 of the Australian Consumer Law – agreed penalty – consideration of whether agreed penalty is within the permissible range of penalties – declarations – compliance orders – injunctions – corrective notices

Legislation: Australian Consumer Law Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Part 3-1, Part 5-2, ss 18, 29, 29(1)(a), 33, 224, 224(1)(a)(ii), 224(1)(e), 224(2), 224(3), 224(4)(b), 232, 232(1)(a), 232(1)(e), 232(4)(a), 246, 246(2)(b)(i) and (ii) Companies Act 1993 (NZ) ss 248(1)(c)(i), 250 Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) Schedule 2, ss 5(1)(g), 131(1) Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) Evidence Act 1995 (Cth) s 191 Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 (Cth) ss 21, 43 Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) ss 76 76E, 76E(2) Insolvency (Cross-Border) Act 2006 (NZ) Schedule 1, art 5

Cases cited: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v Baxter Healthcare Pty Ltd [2010] FCA 929 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd (2015) 327 ALR 540 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union [2007] ATPR 42-140 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v Humax Pty Ltd [2005] FCA 706 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v Leahy Petroleum Pty Ltd (No 3) (2005) 215 ALR 301 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v Marksun Australia Pty Ltd [2011] FCA 695 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v MSY Technology Pty Ltd (No 2) (2011) 279 ALR 609 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v Pepe's Ducks Ltd [2013] FCA 570 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v Sampson [2011] FCA 1165 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v Singtel Optus Pty Ltd (No 4) (2011) 282 ALR 246 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v Social-Lites Pty Ltd [2017] FCA 398 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v Telstra Corporation Ltd (2010) 188 FCR 238, 275 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v TPG Internet Pty Ltd (2013) 250 CLR 640 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v Valve Corporation (No 3) (2016) 337 ALR 647 Forster v Jododex Australia Pty Ltd (1972) 127 CLR 421 Markarian v R (2005) 228 CLR 357 Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources v Mobil Oil Australia Pty Ltd (2004) ATPR 41–993 NW Frozen Foods Pty Ltd v Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (1996) 71 FCR 285 Ponzio v B&P Caelli Constructions Pty Ltd [2007] 158 FCR 543 Rural Press Ltd v Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (2003) 216 CLR 53 Singtel Optus v Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (2012) 287 ALR 249 Trade Practices Commission v TNT Australia Pty Ltd (1995) ATPR 41-375