Consumer Affairs Victoria has updated its Regulatory Approach and Compliance Policy. The policy explains how we make compliance and enforcement decisions under the laws we administer.

The updated policy reinforces our intelligence-led, risk-based and outcomes-focused approach to regulation. It ensures our resources are directed to the areas of greatest potential consumer harm, helping us act where it can have the greatest impact.

The policy provides clearer guidance on how we exercise regulatory discretion, including how we select matters for compliance and enforcement action. It also explains the range of compliance and enforcement tools available and how we use these to achieve the best outcomes for consumers, businesses and Victorians.

It replaces the previous Regulatory Approach and Compliance Policy and reflects our commitment to transparent, effective and contemporary regulation.

Consumer Affairs Victoria Director Nicole Rich said the policy provides a clear and consistent framework for regulatory decision-making.

‘Our focus is on protecting Victorian consumers and reducing harm. This updated approach makes it clear we will use whatever tools will most quickly and effectively stop or prevent harm to the community, improve compliance and ensure Victorians can have confidence in the marketplace,’ she said.

‘We recognise that we can’t simply take the same approach to every issue. Our policy sets out that we’ll choose the response that has the greatest impact and benefit for the Victorian community.

‘In some cases that may mean we start by working closely with an industry to lift standards, and in others we may move immediately to injunctions, fines or court action.’

Learn more about the updated Regulatory Approach and Compliance Policy.