Northern Territory Consumer Affairs

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Northern Territory Consumer Affairs Consumer Affairs is the fair trading and consumer protection regulator for the Northern Territory.

Our role is to inform consumers and businesses of their rights and responsibilities while helping resolve conflicts through alternative dispute resolution. Consumer Affairs is part of the Northern Territory Government Department of the Attorney-General and Justice with offices at Casuarina and Alice Springs. Consumer Affairs is now using social media to keep you more informed about what we do.

🍶 When “style” does a lot of work…Ever gone to buy Greek yoghurt, picked up a tub, and then noticed the label actually s...
26/10/2026

🍶 When “style” does a lot of work…

Ever gone to buy Greek yoghurt, picked up a tub, and then noticed the label actually says, “Greek-style yoghurt”?

This can be an example of marketing by association - where a product uses words, imagery or presentation that connect it in our minds with a familiar or well-regarded type of product.

That doesn’t necessarily mean there’s anything unlawful about it. But it’s a good reminder that a familiar-looking name doesn’t always mean two products are the same.

Words such as “style”, “inspired”, “traditional-style” or “classic” can make a big difference to what is actually being claimed.

Consumer tip: Look beyond the big words on the front of the pack. Check the full product description, ingredients and other information on the label so you know what you’re actually buying.

Sometimes, one little word is doing a lot of marketing work.

⚠️ Tiny but Deadly: Don’t Let Button Batteries Haunt Your Halloween!In Australia, button batteries have tragically claim...
24/10/2026

⚠️ Tiny but Deadly: Don’t Let Button Batteries Haunt Your Halloween!

In Australia, button batteries have tragically claimed the lives of children. These small but dangerous batteries can cause severe burns if swallowed or inserted into the nose, mouth, or ear.

🕯️ Common Halloween products like jack-o-lanterns, fake candles, wands, and masks may have unsecured battery compartments, putting kids at risk.
Keep your little ghouls safe this Halloween!

🎃 Always check that battery compartments are secure with a screw and keep batteries out of reach.

Learn how to protect your family 👉 https://www.productsafety.gov.au/consumers/be-safe-around-the-home/safely-use-batteries-and-technology/button-batteries-guide

If Halloween stock is on your shelves, make sure it’s scary good — not scary unsafe!⚠️ Button batteries? Check them. Pro...
23/10/2026

If Halloween stock is on your shelves, make sure it’s scary good — not scary unsafe!

⚠️ Button batteries? Check them. Products containing button batteries must meet Australian safety requirements. Non-compliance can mean serious risks — and penalties.

💄 Face paint, makeup & fake blood? Label it! Make sure required ingredient information is included.

🕷️ Stock aware = customer aware.
Before your Halloween products hit the shelves, check they’re safe and compliant.

🎃 Keep Halloween fun. Not frightening.

22/10/2026

Join us for a morning of connecting and chatting about all things beyond the toolbox! 🛠

Hear from Apprenticeships NT, AustralianSuper, Master Builders NT and Northern Territory Consumer Affairs while enjoying a brekkie provided by Master Builders NT.

A great opportunity for apprentices, trainees and employers to connect, ask questions and learn something new!

📅 Tuesday, 27 October 2026
⏰ 7:30am
📍 Master Builders NT, 11/396 Stuart Highway, Winnellie

We look forward to seeing you there! 😎

🚨 Darwin Charity Gala – Consumer Alert Have you purchased tickets to a charity fundraising gala that has been cancelled ...
22/10/2026

🚨 Darwin Charity Gala – Consumer Alert

Have you purchased tickets to a charity fundraising gala that has been cancelled or postponed?

NT News has reported concerns surrounding a breast cancer fundraising gala advertised for Saturday 24 October at the Darwin Convention Centre, with tickets costing up to $371.

The venue has confirmed that no booking was made for the event. NT Consumer Affairs is investigating the matter.

If you've purchased tickets:

✅ Contact the event organiser or ticketing platform to request a refund.

✅ If you paid by credit or debit card and haven't received a refund, contact your bank promptly to discuss whether a chargeback is available.

✅ Keep copies of your tickets, receipts, advertisements and correspondence with the organiser.

✅ Contact NT Consumer Affairs if you're having difficulty obtaining a refund or have concerns about the event on 1800 019 319 and email at [email protected]

Before purchasing tickets to any event, check the organiser's details, confirm the event with the advertised venue and be cautious about paying for events that cannot be independently verified.

Supporting a good cause is important, but so is protecting your money.

📱 Have your say on mobile phone coverage and services!Do you experience poor mobile reception, dropped calls or limited ...
21/10/2026

📱 Have your say on mobile phone coverage and services!

Do you experience poor mobile reception, dropped calls or limited choice of mobile providers?

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) wants to hear about your experiences with mobile coverage and services.

Whether you live in Darwin, Alice Springs or a remote Territory community, your feedback can help the ACCC better understand mobile coverage, service quality and consumer choice across Australia.

📅 Complete the survey by 10 December 2026.

👉 Find out more and have your say:
https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/accc-seeks-views-on-mobile-coverage-and-services

🧸 Squishy toys – are they as safe as they look?Squishy toys are popular with kids but some can pose serious safety risks...
20/10/2026

🧸 Squishy toys – are they as safe as they look?

Squishy toys are popular with kids but some can pose serious safety risks.

These soft, squeezable toys may contain gels, beads or chemicals that can be harmful if the toy splits, leaks or breaks open.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has some important safety tips for parents and carers:

• Check toys regularly for tears, leaks or loose parts.

• Keep squishy toys away from babies and toddlers.

• Avoid toys with strong chemical smells or damaged seams.

• Never heat squishy toys or leave them in hot cars – they can burst and cause burns.

• Supervise young children during play and throw away damaged toys.

Before buying your next squishy toy, check out the ACCC's guide to choosing and using them safely:

👉 https://www.productsafety.gov.au/consumers/play-and-exercise-safely/play-with-kids-toys-safely/squishy-toys-guide

Avoid bumps in the night — be seen this Halloween! 🎃When the sun goes down, visibility is key. Dark costumes can make it...
20/10/2026

Avoid bumps in the night — be seen this Halloween! 🎃

When the sun goes down, visibility is key. Dark costumes can make it harder for drivers and other trick-or-treaters to spot little ghosts and goblins.
Help your children shine bright and stay visible with these simple tips:

🎃 Add bright colours to their costume
✨ Use glow sticks as fun, visible accessories
🔦 Add reflective tape to costumes, bags or shoes
🔦 Carry a flashlight to light the way

🖤 Avoid all-black costumes where possible — especially in low-light areas. The brighter and more visible they are, the safer they’ll be.

Let’s make Halloween full of treats, not trips, bumps or scares! 👻🍬

🎃🔥 Fright night, not fire night! 🔥🎃Halloween is all about fun, but costumes can burn in seconds. A few simple checks can...
19/10/2026

🎃🔥 Fright night, not fire night! 🔥🎃

Halloween is all about fun, but costumes can burn in seconds. A few simple checks can help keep your little ghosts and ghouls safe:

Check for fire-resistant markings - Look for “flame-resistant” or “fire-resistant” labels on costumes, wigs, masks and accessories.

Avoid long, flowing costumes - Loose or billowy fabrics can catch fire easily. Remember, even flame-resistant materials can still burn.

Spot the red flag - Skip products marked “Keep away from flame.”

Stay clear of open flames - Keep costumes, wigs and accessories well away from jack-o’-lanterns, candles, fireplaces and fires.

For more Halloween product safety information, visit the ACCC's Product Safety Australia: https://www.productsafety.gov.au/

Scare the Neighbours, Not Your SkinSpooky makeup can transform your look, but unwanted reactions can put a real fright i...
17/10/2026

Scare the Neighbours, Not Your Skin

Spooky makeup can transform your look, but unwanted reactions can put a real fright into your night.

✨ Before you get made up:
🔍 Check the ingredients
💄 Follow the product instructions
⚠️ Stop using it if irritation occurs

Stay glam, stay safe and keep the scares where they belong! 🎃

For more information 👉 productsafety.gov.au/standards/cosmetics-ingredients-labelling

Address

Level 1, The Met Building, 13 Scaturchio Street
Darwin, NT
0810

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+611800019319

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