Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v Acquire Learning & Careers Pty Ltd [2017] FCA 602

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v Acquire Learning & Careers Pty Ltd [2017] FCA 602 File number: VID 930 of 2015

Judge: MURPHY J

Date of judgment: 30 May 2017

Catchwords: CONSUMER LAW - contraventions of Australian Consumer Law - false or misleading representations - misleading or deceptive conduct - unconscionable conduct - unsolicited consumer agreements - principles applicable to imposition of a pecuniary penalty, declarations and injunctive relief - appropriateness of agreed orders and declarations

Legislation: Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) Sch. 2, Australian Consumer Law, ss 18, 21, 29, 24 and 76 Evidence Act 1995 (Cth), s 191 Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 (Cth), ss 37AF and 37AG Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth), ss 52 and 76

Cases cited: ACCC v Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd [2016] FCA 1516 ACCC v Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd [2014] FCA 1405 ACCC v Econovite Pty Ltd [2003] FCA 964 ACCC v Hillside (Australia New Media) Pty Ltd trading as Bet365 (No 2) [2016] FCA 698 ACCC v Leahy Petroleum (No 2) [2005] FCA 254 ACCC v Lux Distributors Pty Ltd [2013] FCAFC 90 ACCC v MSY Technology Pty Ltd (2012) 201 FCR 378; [2012] FCAFC 56 ACCC v MSY Technology Pty Ltd (No 2) (2011) 279 ALR 609; [2011] FCA 382 ACCC v Pepe's Ducks Ltd [2013] FCA 570 ACCC v Reckitt Benckiser (Australia) Pty Ltd [2016] FCAFC 181 ACCC v Telstra Corporation Ltd (2010) 188 FCR 238 ACCC v TPG Internet Pty Ltd (2013) 250 CLR 640; [2013] HCA 54 ACCC v TPG Internet Pty Ltd (No 2) [2012] FCA 629 ACCC v Z-Tek Computers Pty Ltd (1997) 78 FCR 197 Cameron v Qantas Airways Ltd (1994) 55 FCR 147; [1995] FCA 1304 Commonwealth v Director, Fair Work Building Industry Inspectorate; CFMEU v Director, Fair Work Building Industry Inspectorate (2015) 326 ALR 476; [2015] HCA 46 Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union v Cahill (2010) 269 ALR 1; [2010] FCAFC 39 Forster v Jododex Australia Pty Ltd (1972) 127 CLR 421; [1972] HCA 61 Hurley v McDonalds Australia Ltd [1999] FCA 1728 ICI Australia Operations Pty Ltd v Trade Practices Commission (1992) 38 FCR 248 J McPhee and Son (Aust) Pty Ltd v ACCC [2000] FCA 365 Markarian v The Queen (2005) 228 CLR 357 NW Frozen Foods Pty Ltd v Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (1996) 71 FCR 285 Singtel Optus v ACCC (2012) 287 ALR 249; [2012] FCAFC 20 Trade Practices Commission v Allied Mills Industries Pty Ltd (No 5) (1981) 60 FLR 38 Trade Practices Commission v CSR Ltd (1991) ATPR 41-076 Trade Practices Commission v Stihl Chainsaws (Aust) Pty Ltd (1978) ATPR 40-091 Trade Practices Commission v TNT Australia Pty Limited (1995) ATPR 41-375