Bedshed.
Bedding retailer Bedshed Franchising Pty Ltd has paid $39,600 in penalties after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued two infringement notices.
The ACCC alleges that Bedshed advertised on its website and Google Ads that some of its mattresses, furniture and bedding accessories were approved by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said that the NDIS does not approve any specific goods or services and to suggest otherwise is misleading and risks taking advantage of vulnerable consumers.
“Each NDIS participant has unique needs, and what’s funded under their plan is determined individually, not through a list of approved products,” Cass-Gottlieb said.
This action comes after the ACCC put businesses on notice of its focus on problematic advertising practices targeting NDIS participants in November 2024.
The Australian Government established the NDIS (Fair Price and Australian Consumer Law) Taskforce in 2023, which comprises of the ACCC, the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
The taskforce was established to address concerns that NDIS participants were being charged more for goods and services than other consumers, and to address potential breaches of Australian Consumer Law.
In December, the ACCC instituted proceedings against registered NDIS provider Ausnew Home Care Service Pty Ltd, for alleged false and misleading representations, including statements that certain products were ‘NDIS approved’, relating to aged care and disability products. The matter remains before the Court.
“Targeting consumers experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage with misleading advertising is particularly concerning, and we are continuing to investigate companies making similar claims," Cass-Gottlieb said.
“These infringement notices should serve as a warning to all businesses that advertise their products or services to NDIS participants – your advertising must reflect the facts."
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