The Productivity Commission has released an issues paper for its study into the way Australian Consumer Law (ACL) is enforced and administered.

The study will evaluate effectiveness of the multiple-regulator model in supporting a single national policy framework, and consider ways it might be strengthened.

The issues paper seeks feedback on the adequacy of resources for enforcing the ACL in each state, and whether the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission or the Australian Securities and Investments Commission’s potential involvement affects these resources.

It asks whether enforcement tools and remedies available to regulators are sufficient.

The study runs parallel to a Consumer Affairs Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) review, which focuses on the adequacy of consumer protection regulations in the ACL.

The Productivity Commission will consider issues identified by the CAANZ review that have a bearing on administration and enforcement. These include the differences in access to remedies for breaches of the ACL, the increase in online sales and whether state or territory ACL regulators are well placed to address concerns around imported products.

The deadline for submissions is August 30.

The draft report is expected in November, with the final report ready next March.

Download the issues paper here.