Competition and Consumer Amendment (Make Price Gouging Illegal) Bill 2024

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Thursday 5 February 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated a Greens bill to make price gouging illegal across the entire economy, not just in supermarkets. Greens senators argued that corporate misuse of market power drives inflation and that existing government regulations are insufficient. One Nation and Liberal senators opposed the bill, arguing that government price-setting destroys competition, harms small businesses, and leads to shortages. The bill was defeated in a division.

   Outcome: The bill was not passed, with 12 votes in favour and 29 against.

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