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

Summary

This legislation updates Australia's consumer protection rules by targeting unfair trading practices — the sneaky or deceptive tactics businesses sometimes use to manipulate shoppers. It amends the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, which is the main law that stops companies from misleading the public or behaving unfairly in the marketplace. The change matters because it gives the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and state regulators stronger tools to crack down on practices like hidden fees, aggressive sales tactics, or exploiting vulnerable consumers — protecting everyday shoppers and keeping competition fair between businesses.

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