People should be able to expect services and products to be provided on fair terms. They deserve to be protected from harmful business practices that cost them time, money and impact their wellbeing. ButAustralia has long been behind other jurisdictions when it comes to proactively holding businesses of all sizes accountable for providing products and services fairly.
That’s why we strongly recommend passing the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Unfair Trading Practices) Bill 2026 as outlined in our joint response to the corresponding Senate Inquiry, led by the Consumer Policy Research Centre (CPRC).
The Justice and Equity Centre is one of 20 consumer sector advocacy organisations in favour of this long overdue reform. Our work and advocacy alongside our partners and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has, over many years, built support for this reform and brought it to the verge of implementation.
What’s next?
The Bill is being considered by the Senate, and a decision is expected in July 2026. We’ll continue to advocate for consumer interests through reforms that impact their fair access to energy and water, including reforms that protect households dealing with high pressure and unsolicited sales tactics for energy products and services such as solar panels and batteries.
