Important legal references

In Australia, we have strict rules governing the marketplace for both consumers and businesses.  To monitor these rules, we have various governing bodies, including:

ACCC:

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

The ACCC primary purpose is to administer the Trade Practices Act 1974 and other related acts.  They were formed in 1995 to promote competition and fair trade in the marketplace.

CA / OFT:

Consumer Affairs / Office of Fair Trading

These organisations (Such as Consumer Affairs VIC and  the Office of Fair Trading NSW and QLD) are really there to try and promote harmony and fairness between consumers and businesses.  Often working with consumer groups and providing licensing, registration and regulation of individual industries.

The general rule if you have expereinced a dodgy deal, is to speak directly to the company involved.  If this fails to solve your issue, your next step is the CA / OFT department in your state or territory.  If all else fails, you may contact the ACCC, but this is usually reserved for extreme and wide spread cases only.