Asia-Pacific Comparative Consumer Law (LAWS90289)

A focus on comparative consumer law is both an interesting and important topic in light of global and trade connections between countries. We take a transnational, comparative approach to consumer law challenges and regulations across four countries – Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore. Students will be required not just to understand the legislative regimes associated with these jurisdictions but to take an analytical, comparative approach to the content.  

This subject will provide a broad overview of the consumer protection regimes in these four countries. It will cover some specific topics in more depth including: identifying who is a consumer, an overview of general shopping protections, consumer credit legislation, online protections, remedies and enforcement.  

This will be of interest to anyone who works in a consumer-facing industry (as well as people who like to shop in any of the relevant countries!).  The subject is designed around developing knowledge, application and inter-personal skills. There will be a participation component and an in-course group presentation. Students will get guidance and support for how to develop the relevant skills before and during the subject teaching period.  

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• Determine and apply the relevant statutes, regulations and cases with an advanced and practical understanding of the legal principles governing the consumer protection law in the selected countries.
• Critically evaluate the impact of these regimes on consumer protection.
• Analyse the role of sustainability in consumer law, with a particular focus on the overlap between consumer rights, developing AI and sustainability.
• Appraise and critique the underlying theoretical justifications for consumer law and contextualise the origins and development of consumer protection legislation against the background of the general law of contract, tort and equity.
• Examine and assess the roles and powers of consumer regulators, and consumer dispute resolution methods and processes.
• Reflect critically on the challenges and opportunities of group collaboration in the area of consumer law, including how these skills may be applied to future employment.

Generic skills

• Critically evaluate the contributions of others, and provide supporting or alternative viewpoints in a persuasive and respectful manner.
• Establish, build on and maintain positive relationships by working together for a shared goal
• A capacity to use the knowledge and skills students have gained in the subject in a way that demonstrates effective autonomy, judgment, adaptability and responsibility as an expert learner and practitioner in the field of international consumer law.