<P> Misleading or deceptive conduct (often referred to as just misleading conduct) is a doctrine of Australian law . </P> <P> Section 18 of the Australian Consumer Law, which is found in schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, prohibits conduct by corporations in trade or commerce which is misleading or deceptive or is likely to mislead or deceive . The states and territories of Australia each have Fair Trading Legislation either containing similar provisions in relation to misleading or deceptive conduct by individuals, or simply applies the federal law to the state or territory . Section 12DA of the Australian Securities and Investment Commission Act 2001 prohibits misleading or deceptive conduct in financial services . </P> <P> The doctrine aims primarily to provide consumer protection by preventing businesses from misleading their customers . However, it extends to all situations in the course of trade or commerce . A range of remedies are available in the event of misleading or deceptive conduct . </P> <P> The prohibition on misleading conduct is set out in section 18 (1) of the Australian Consumer Law: </P>

B) are consumers in australia protected from misleading information