Commissioner for Consumer Affairs (SA) v Star Plus Group Pty Ltd (in liq) [2023] FCA 778

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Commissioner for Consumer Affairs (SA) v Star Plus Group Pty Ltd (in liq) [2023] FCA 778 File number(s): SAD 7 of 2023

Judgment of: MCELWAINE J

Date of judgment: 11 July 2023

Catchwords: CONSUMER LAW – Application by regulator for declaratory and injunctive relief together with the imposition of pecuniary penalties for conduct by the respondents – where respondents posted fake consumer testimonials and reviews of their business to comparator websites – where respondents provided false tax invoices to a comparator website in order to post false testimonials – misleading and deceptive conduct pursuant to s 18 of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) – false or misleading representations as to services pursuant to s 29 of the ACL – relief granted – pecuniary penalties imposed pursuant to s 224 of the ACL

Legislation: Competition And Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) Sch 2 (Australian Consumer Law) ss 18, 29, 232, 224, 246 Evidence Act 1995 (Cth) ss 144, 191 Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 (Cth) s 21

Cases cited: Australian Building and Construction Commissioner v Pattinson (2022) 96 ALJR 426; [2022] HCA 33 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd (2015) 327 ALR 540; [2015] FCA 330 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v Dimmeys Stores Pty Ltd [2001] FCA 781 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v Francis (2004) 142 FCR 1; [2004] FCA 487 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v High Adventure Pty Ltd [2005] FCAFC 247 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v Midland Brick Co Pty Ltd (2004) 207 ALR 329; [2004] FCA 693 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v Reckitt Benckiser (Australia) Pty Ltd (2016) 340 ALR 25; [2016] FCAFC 181 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v TPG Internet Pty Ltd (No 2) [2012] FCA 629 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v TPG Internet Pty Ltd (2013) 250 CLR 640; [2013] HCA 54 Australian Securities and Investments Commission v Select AFSL Pty Ltd (No 3) [2023] FCA 723 Cruse v Multiplex Ltd (2008) 172 FCR 279; [2008] FCAFC 179 Fair Work Ombudsman v Foot & Thai Massage Pty Ltd (in liq) [2019] FCA 1601 Hobart International Airport Pty Ltd v Clarence City Council (2022) 96 ALJR 234; [2022] HCA 5 Markarian v The Queen (2005) 228 CLR 357; [2005] HCA 25 Rural Press Ltd v Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (2003) 216 CLR 53; [2003] HCA 75 Singtel Optus Pty Ltd v Australian Competition and Consumer Commission [2012] FCAFC 20 Trade Practices Commission v CSR Ltd [1991] 13 ATPR 41-076 Trade Practices Commission v Mobil Oil Australia Ltd (1984) 4 FCR 296 Truth About Motorways Pty Ltd v Macquarie Infrastructure Investment Management Ltd (2000) 200 CLR 591; [2000] HCA 11