Truck Loan Finance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Australian Court Upholds Ruling on Misleading Harvey Norman Ads

Australian Court Upholds Ruling on Misleading Harvey Norman Ads

Australian Court Upholds Ruling on Misleading Harvey Norman Ads?w=400
The Full Court of the Federal Court of Australia has upheld a prior decision against Latitude Financial and Harvey Norman, maintaining that certain advertisements were misleading.
These ads, which ran from January 2020 to August 2021, promoted ‘no deposit’ and ‘interest-free’ payment options but failed to disclose the necessity of acquiring a Latitude GO Mastercard to avail the offer.
The promotional efforts did not sufficiently clarify the connection to the credit card or its issuer, Latitude Finance, misleading consumers about essential terms of the deal.

This ruling is significant as it reaffirms the importance of transparency in advertising, particularly about financial products with complex conditions. Consumers who obtained the Latitude GO Mastercard believing they could benefit from the interest-free period were instead subject to additional costs, including a $537 fee. These undisclosed fees comprised an establishment charge and ongoing monthly service fees, impacting the financially vulnerable the hardest.

The outcome underscores the Australian Securities and Investments Commission’s (ASIC) commitment to protecting consumers by ensuring promotional materials don’t obscure the true costs and conditions associated with financial agreements. Businesses are reminded that their advertisements must be clear and straightforward to avoid misleading potential customers, particularly when promoting financial products or services.

Moving forward, this legal precedent may influence how Australian corporations approach advertising strategies, particularly in the financial and retail sectors. Companies are likely to review their marketing content to ensure compliance with consumer protection laws. The decision also serves as a warning that failure to disclose complete terms clearly can lead to legal action and damage to reputations.

Published:Wednesday, 8th Oct 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Finance News

Gold Reaches Unprecedented Heights Amid Global Instability
Gold Reaches Unprecedented Heights Amid Global Instability
08 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
In an unprecedented turn of events, gold prices have surged to nearly $US4000 per ounce, positioning the precious metal as Australia’s second most valuable export. This dramatic price escalation is driven by a complex interplay of factors including cuts in US interest rates and global geopolitical tensions, leading investors to seek the security of stable, tangibly-valued assets like gold. - read more
Australian Court Upholds Ruling on Misleading Harvey Norman Ads
Australian Court Upholds Ruling on Misleading Harvey Norman Ads
08 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
The Full Court of the Federal Court of Australia has upheld a prior decision against Latitude Financial and Harvey Norman, maintaining that certain advertisements were misleading. These ads, which ran from January 2020 to August 2021, promoted ‘no deposit’ and ‘interest-free’ payment options but failed to disclose the necessity of acquiring a Latitude GO Mastercard to avail the offer. - read more
Regulatory Pressure on Investment Governance Following Fund Collapses
Regulatory Pressure on Investment Governance Following Fund Collapses
08 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian government has directed the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) to reassess current financial resource stipulations for managed investment scheme (MIS) operators. Concurrently, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has advised platform trustees to enhance governance standards. These actions stem from the collapse of the Shield and First Guardian master funds, which led to significant investor losses. - read more
ASIC Initiates Comprehensive Review of Motor Vehicle Finance Practices
ASIC Initiates Comprehensive Review of Motor Vehicle Finance Practices
08 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has commenced a thorough review of the motor vehicle finance sector, aiming to bolster consumer protections and ensure industry-wide compliance. This initiative is particularly focused on the experiences of borrowers in regional and remote areas, including First Nations communities. - read more


Truck Loans Articles

How to Choose the Right Financing Options for Your Fleet
How to Choose the Right Financing Options for Your Fleet
When it comes to managing a fleet, the financial decisions you make can significantly influence your business operations. Understanding the impact of fleet costs is crucial, as it helps in ensuring the sustainability and efficiency of your operations. High fleet costs can eat into your profits, making it vital to find cost-effective solutions. - read more
Lease vs Buy: What’s Best for Your Business Truck Investment?
Lease vs Buy: What’s Best for Your Business Truck Investment?
For many businesses across Australia, trucks are not just vehicles—they're an integral part of operations. Whether it's delivering goods, providing services, or transporting raw materials, having a reliable truck can make all the difference in ensuring smooth business operations. - read more
A Comprehensive Guide to Chattel Mortgages for Truck Financing
A Comprehensive Guide to Chattel Mortgages for Truck Financing
If you're running a business in Australia, trucks might be a crucial component of your operations. Whether for transportation, delivery, or service, trucks play a vital role in ensuring business efficiency and success. However, acquiring these vehicles is not always straightforward, leading many business owners to face the lease vs buy dilemma. Understanding the right financing option for trucks can significantly impact your business's financial health. - read more
Understanding the Basics of Truck Financing
Understanding the Basics of Truck Financing
Truck financing is a financial solution that enables Australian businesses to acquire trucks without the need for substantial upfront payments. This type of financing is essential for many enterprises relying on trucks for their day-to-day operations, from logistics companies to construction firms. - read more


Free Assessment

Loan Amount:
Postcode:
All quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation. We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Credit Score:
A numerical expression based on a level analysis of a person's credit files, representing the creditworthiness of an individual.