Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v Telstra Limited [2025] FCA 93

Federal Court of Australia Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v Telstra Limited [2025] FCA 93 File number:

Judgment of: SNADEN J

Date of judgment: 21 February 2025

Catchwords: CONSUMER LAW – where respondent a telecommunications business offering NBN internet access plans to consumers – where respondent unilaterally and without notice made changes to some consumers' plans – where changes resulted in slower upload speed – whether respondent made representations to consumers as to plan's standard, quality, value, grade or performance characteristics – whether respondent engaged in conduct that was misleading or deceptive – whether respondent made false or misleading representations – whether respondent contravened provisions of the Australian Consumer Law – hearing on liability – liability for contraventions established.

Legislation: Australian Consumer Law ss 18, 29(1)(b), 29(1)(g)

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v Cornerstone Investment Aust Pty Ltd (in liq) (No 4) [2018] FCA 1408 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v LG Electronics Australia Pty Ltd [2017] FCA 1047 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v LG Electronics Australia Pty Ltd [2018] FCAFC 96 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v Mazda Australia Pty Ltd (2021) 158 ACSR 31 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v TPG Internet Pty Ltd (2013) 250 CLR 640 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v TPG Internet Pty Ltd (2020) 278 FCR 450 Cases cited: Campbell v Backoffice Investments Pty Ltd (2009) 238 CLR 304 Campomar Sociedad, Limitada v Nike International Ltd (2000) 202 CLR 45 Demagogue Pty Ltd v Ramensky (1992) 39 FCR 31 Gardam v George Wills & Co Ltd (1988) 82 ALR 415 Google Inc v Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (2013) 249 CLR 435 Miller & Associates Insurance Broking Pty Ltd v BMW Australia Finance Ltd (2010) 241 CLR 357 Parkdale Custom Built Furniture Pty Ltd v Puxu Pty Ltd (1982) 149 CLR 191 Rhone-Poulenc Agrochimie SA v UIM Chemical Services Pty Ltd (1986) 12 FCR 477