Who does the Australian Consumer Law primarily apply to?

The Australian Consumer Law (ACL) primarily applies to small businesses and consumers because it is designed to protect the rights of everyday consumers and ensure fair trading practices in the marketplace. The law provides comprehensive rights and remedies against businesses that do not comply with consumer guarantees, including the right to a refund or replacement for faulty goods and services.

Small businesses are also covered under the ACL to ensure they have protections similar to those of individual consumers. This means that if a small business purchases goods or services and they do not meet the expected standards, that business can also seek redress under the law.

In contrast, large corporations are generally not the focus of the legislation as they often operate in a different marketplace dynamic and are presumed to have more resources to negotiate terms and conditions. Online businesses, while they are subject to the law if they cater to consumers and small businesses, do not alone receive special status under the ACL. Government agencies, likewise, are not typically the subject of the law since the ACL regulates the behavior of businesses towards consumers, not the conduct of government entities.

Therefore, the correct answer reflects the broad intention of the law to cover both consumers and small businesses, ensuring they are protected in their transactions.