Review of Australian Consumer Law
A comprehensive review of how the Australian Consumer Law operates for franchised new car dealers, manufacturers and consumers.
final report and aada response
The Independent Review, prepared by Emeritus Professor Jenny Buchan, examines whether the Australian Consumer Law continues to deliver fair outcomes in Australia’s automotive retail sector and identifies opportunities for reform.
about the review
In December 2025, the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) commissioned an independent root and branch review of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) as it applies to franchised new car dealers and consumers.
The Review was undertaken by Emeritus Professor Jenny Buchan following consultation with industry participants, government, legal experts and consumer stakeholders.
While Australia’s consumer protection framework is among the strongest in the world, the automotive industry presents unique circumstances because responsibility for manufacturing, retailing and post-sale obligations is shared between manufacturers and franchised dealers.
The Review considers whether the current framework appropriately balances consumer protection while ensuring dealers are able to efficiently meet their legal obligations and highlights how dealers rely heavily on how Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) respond to an issue where a manufacturing defect is evident.
aada response
The AADA welcomes the completion of the Independent Review and thanks Emeritus Professor Jenny Buchan for her work.
The Review confirms a number of longstanding issues affecting the operation of the Australian Consumer Law in the automotive sector and provides an important foundation for future reform.
AADA supports reforms that improve consumer outcomes while ensuring manufacturers and dealers are subject to fair and appropriately balanced responsibilities.
next steps
The Buchan Review provides additional momentum for AADA’s engagement with key government departments and ministers. However, this represents only the first strategic step in AADA’s pursuit of reform to the ACL and the Code.
As a next step, AADA will commission an economic assessment for consideration by the Australian Government. This assessment will include a cost-benefit analysis quantifying the impact of maintaining the status quo.
CONTACT
Melissa Dimovski
Director Policy and Advocacy
E: mdimovski@aada.asn.au