Competition and Consumer Amendment (Unfair Trading Practices) Bill 2026; Second Reading

Summary

This legislation updates Australia's competition and consumer protection rules by targeting unfair trading practices — tactics that businesses use to mislead or manipulate shoppers in ways that aren't technically illegal but feel underhand. It amends the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, which is the main law that governs how businesses must treat consumers and each other in the marketplace. The change matters because it gives the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) clearer power to stop practices like hidden fees, misleading environmental claims, or pressure-sale tactics that currently slip through gaps in existing rules. For shoppers and small businesses, this means stronger protection against deceptive conduct; for large retailers and online platforms, it means tighter boundaries on how they can operate.

What happens at this stage

The main debate on whether the chamber supports the broad purpose of the bill. Members speak to its overall merits and concerns rather than the fine print. The government outlines its policy intentions; the opposition and crossbench put their case. This is the stage that determines whether the bill proceeds at all.

Next: Consideration in Detail (House) or Committee of the Whole (Senate), where the bill is examined clause by clause