Mobile phones retailer, Allphones, has been slapped with a $45,000 fine for violating Court orders issued in 2008.
The company resells Optus and Vodafone services through a number of franchised stores across the country.
The Australian Competition and Consumers Commission (ACCC) took Allphones to the Federal Court three years ago on behalf of the retain chain’s franchises. It was alleged Allphones provided franchisees with incorrect and possibly misleading information on dispute resolution with the business.
Allphones was required to conform to several Court enforceable undertakings, two of which it has been accused of breaching. This includes withholding consent to the assignment of an Allphone franchise if franchisees would not signed a deed to release Allphones from liability.
ACCC must also be told within seven days if Allphones wanted to withhold consent to assignment of a franchise should the retailer want a new franchisee to enter into a new agreement.
Justice Nicholas, who has been looking into these breaches, said Allphones’ conduct was both “serious” and “deliberate” since they were committed by senior personnel.
Allphones has admitted fault.
ACCC chairman, Graeme Samuel, said in a statement the fine shows the consumer watchdog and the Court takes breaching of Court orders very seriously.
