Competition and Consumer Amendment (Unfair Trading Practices) Bill 2026

Stage by Stage

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

1. Wednesday 1 April 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The member for Fenner moved the second reading of the bill, which aims to modernise the Australian Consumer Law by prohibiting unfair trading practices, banning drip pricing, and regulating subscription traps. The legislation addresses gaps where current laws do not cover manipulative design features or hidden fees that cause consumer detriment. The member highlighted evidence of widespread consumer frustration with online purchases and difficult cancellation processes. The debate was adjourned without further speeches recorded in the transcript.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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2. Tuesday 12 May 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate centred on whether the bill’s broad prohibition on unfair trading practices created excessive legal uncertainty and regulatory costs for small businesses, or whether it was necessary to close gaps in consumer protection. The Opposition moved an amendment to refer the bill to the Senate Economics Legislation Committee, arguing that existing laws were sufficient and the new provisions would impose over $124 million in annual costs. Government members supported the bill as a modernisation of consumer law that targets drip pricing and subscription traps. An independent member supported the reforms but criticised their limited scope and delayed commencement. The amendment was not passed, and the bill proceeded.

   Outcome: The amendment moved by Kevin Hogan was not passed, and the bill proceeded to further stages.

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3. Wednesday 13 May 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate focused on the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Unfair Trading Practices) Bill 2026, which introduced a general prohibition on unfair trading practices, bans on drip pricing, and stricter subscription cancellation rules. Government members argued the reforms were necessary to protect consumers from manipulative digital design and hidden fees, thereby supporting fair competition and easing cost-of-living pressures. In contrast, the opposition member opposed the bill, citing excessive regulatory costs for small businesses and concerns that the broad definition of unfair conduct would create legal uncertainty. The government committed to reviewing the subscription provisions after two years and consulting on extending protections to small businesses.

   Outcome: The bill was commended to the House by all speakers.

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4. Thursday 14 May 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading
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5. Thursday 14 May 2026 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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6. Monday 22 June 2026 · Senate

   First Reading
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7. Monday 22 June 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Minister for Industry and Innovation moved the second reading of two bills in the Senate. The first bill aims to prohibit unfair trading practices, ban drip pricing, and end subscription traps by modernising the Australian Consumer Law. The second bill implements recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, reforming military discipline, sentencing, and mental health provisions. The Minister argued these measures protect consumers and modernise the defence justice system to align with civilian standards. No other members spoke during this segment of the debate.

   Outcome: The second reading speeches were incorporated in Hansard and the bills were moved for second reading.

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8. Wednesday 1 July 2026 · Senate

   In Committee

   The Senate debated two amendments moved by Senator Canavan to clarify the definition of unfair conduct in the bill. The amendments sought to insert the word 'unfairly' before 'manipulate' and 'material' before 'detriment' to ensure penalties only applied to significant harms. The government, represented by Minister Ayres, opposed the changes, arguing that qualifiers would weaken consumer protections and that the existing terms were sufficiently clear. Senator Scarr supported the amendments, citing advice from the Law Council of Australia regarding the need for a materiality threshold. The debate concluded with progress reported before a final vote was recorded.

   Outcome: Progress was reported on the consideration in committee of the bill.

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9. Wednesday 1 July 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Unfair Trading Practices) Bill 2026, which introduces a general prohibition on unfair trading practices and specific rules against subscription traps and drip pricing. The government argued the bill protects consumers from manipulative digital practices and saves billions annually. Opposition and crossbench members supported the targeted reforms but raised concerns about regulatory costs for small businesses and the breadth of the general prohibition. Amendments were proposed to delay application for small businesses and clarify legal definitions, while others sought to extend protections to financial services. The bill was ultimately defeated in a division.

   Outcome: The bill was not passed, with 20 votes against and 30 votes for in the division.

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10. Thursday 2 July 2026 · Senate

    In Committee

    The Senate considered several amendments to the bill during committee stage. The Australian Greens moved amendments to extend unfair trading practice bans to the financial services sector and explicitly include lead generation, citing the collapse of First Guardian and Shield. The government opposed these, arguing that existing general prohibitions covered harmful conduct and that specific financial reforms were under separate consideration. The Liberal and National parties moved to defer the bill's application to small businesses until 2030, which the government rejected to prevent loopholes. Australia's Voice proposed amendments regarding subscription contract notifications and data collection, which the government also opposed as overly prescriptive. All amendments were negatived.

    Outcome: All amendments were negatived in divisions.

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11. Thursday 2 July 2026 · Senate

    Third Reading
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