Which of the following best describes the primary function of Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV)?

• A. Regulates consumer law and provides oversight on the provision of goods and services and provides conciliation
• B. Imposes penalties in criminal matters
• C. Hears all civil appeals in Victoria
• D. Manages environmental licensing and permits

Answer: (A)

Consumer Affairs Victoria’s main role is to protect consumers and ensure fair trading by enforcing consumer laws and overseeing how goods and services are provided. It administers consumer protections under the Australian Consumer Law in Victoria, educates both consumers and businesses, handles complaints, and offers a free conciliation service to resolve disputes between consumers and traders. This combination—regulating consumer law, supervising how goods and services are offered, and providing conciliation to settle disputes—best describes its primary function.

It does not handle criminal prosecutions, which are dealt with by the criminal justice system, nor does it hear civil appeals or manage environmental licensing, which are tasks for other agencies or courts.