Competition and Consumer Amendment (Unfair Trading Practices) Bill 2026, Defence Force Discipline Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures No. 1) Bill 2026; Second Reading

Summary

The Competition and Consumer Amendment (Unfair Trading Practices) 2026 strengthens protections against misleading and deceptive selling practices by updating the Australian Consumer Law, giving the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission clearer powers to take action against businesses that engage in unfair tactics like hidden fees, false claims, or aggressive sales methods. The Defence Force Discipline Amendment implements changes to military discipline systems, specifically updating rules around restorative and corrective disciplinary approaches for Defence Force members. Together, these changes protect everyday shoppers and consumers from dodgy trading practices while modernising how the military handles internal discipline matters.

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