The federal government has approved three consumer and small business advocates as designated complainants.
Designated complainants will be able to submit complaints to the ACCC about significant or systemic market issues affecting Australian consumers or small businesses.
When a designated complaint is lodged, the ACCC will be required to consider and publicly respond to the complaint within 90 days stating what further action, if any, will be taken in response.
The approved designated complainants are:
- Australian Consumers’ Association (CHOICE)
- Consumer Action Law Centre (CALC)
- Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA).
CHOICE is the largest member‑based consumer organisation in Australia. It has extensive experience supporting consumers from across Australia, including through independent testing, research and advocacy.
CALC is a consumer advocacy organisation and community legal centre which has represented the interests of Australian consumers for nearly two decades, with a focus on consumers who are experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage.
COSBOA is a peak body exclusively representing the interests of small businesses. It has a long history of advocacy across a range of small business issues.
Each organisation has been approved as a designated complainant until 1 July 2027.