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

Summary

This amendment strengthens consumer protections by expanding what counts as 'unfair trading practices' under the Australian Consumer Law, making it easier for regulators to stop businesses from misleading or exploiting shoppers. The changes modify the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 to give the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission clearer powers to crack down on deceptive marketing, hidden fees, and aggressive sales tactics that currently slip through legal gaps. For everyday shoppers, this means better protection when buying online or in stores, fairer pricing practices, and stronger action against companies that use confusing terms or pressure tactics to make sales.

What happens at this stage

The final vote in this chamber on the bill as a whole, after all amendments have been considered. If it passes, the bill moves to the other chamber to go through the same process. If both chambers have already agreed to identical text, the bill proceeds directly to Royal Assent.

Next: The other chamber, which runs the same process from First Reading, or Royal Assent if both chambers have already agreed