The head of the consumer watchdog says some large companies are deliberately trying to deceive customers and that the effects are widespread.
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission chairman Rod Sims said on Wednesday the watchdog is cracking down on misleading behaviour by large businesses - particularly airlines, telecommunications and car retailers.
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ACCC targets Heinz foods over toddler snack
Australia's consumer watchdog is taking international food giant Heinz to court over what it believes to be false nutritional information of a popular children's snack.
"Since coming into this position five and half years ago, I am continually puzzled as to why some large companies treat their customers so badly, and with so little respect," Mr Sims told the National Consumer Congress in Melbourne.
"We are often told that companies will only succeed by meeting customer needs, (but) it is clear that some companies seek to deceive their consumers about these needs."
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He said the ACCC will examine limitations on refunds for inflexible fares in the airline industry and test the extent to which consumers are being directed away from their rights.
The commission's new car retailing market study will also look at the difficulties consumers face when trying to exercise their consumer guarantee rights.
Clarity around broadband speed advertising for consumers will also be a focus this year.
Cases currently before the courts following ACCC investigations include one involving Kimberly-Clark and Pental's wipes that are marketed as flushable despite being unsuitable for disposal that way.
Others include one against Volkswagen for allegedly fitting cars with emissions-cheating software, and another against Heinz for allegedly marketing toddler food products as being healthy when they may be made of about 70 per cent sugar.
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