There are mechanisms and contacts provided below which provide oversight of CAV’s enforcement activity.
The courts
The criminal and civil remedies accessible to CAV under administered legislation and in particular, the ACLFTA, are available only from the courts and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. In addition, some of the investigative tools available to CAV, for example search warrants, are accessible only by court order.
For a full list of courts and contact details please go to Victorian Courts and Tribunals - Court Services Victoria website.
The Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria
Section 178 of the ACLFTA provides that we must maintain a register of the exercise of powers of entry under that part.
Section 179 of the ACLFTA provides that a person may complain to the Director about the exercise of a power by an inspector under Part 6.4. The Director must investigate any complaints made and provide a written report to the complainant on the results of the investigation.
You can submit feedback or complaints:
- online via our online feedback form
- calling 1300 55 81 81 or 132 VIC (132 842) and select the ‘Consumer Affairs Victoria’ option.
- for the National Translating and Interpreting Service: 131 450 and ask to be put through to Consumer Affairs Victoria.
- by post:
Customer Feedback
Consumer Affairs Victoria
PO Box 123
Melbourne 3001
Secretary, Department
Section 131 of the ACLFTA provides that a person may complain to the Secretary of the Department about the exercise of a power by the Director under Part 6.2, Division 4 (Obtaining information, documents and evidence).
You can contact the Secretary via:
Customer Feedback
Secretary, Department of Government Services
GPO Box 4356
Melbourne VIC 3000
Victorian Ombudsman
The Victorian Ombudsman has the power to investigate complaints about State and local government authorities.
You can contact the Ombudsman:
- by telephone: 1800 806 314
- online via its online complaints portal
Other agencies
Certain compliance and enforcement activities and decisions are subject to review and comment by a range of other bodies such as the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner or Fines Victoria.
Review
This Regulatory Approach and Compliance Policy will be reviewed 3 years after the date approved by the Director and may be reviewed earlier than that date if the Director considers it necessary.