Treasury Laws Amendment (Doubling Penalties for ACCC Enforcement) Bill 2026

Stage by Stage

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

1. Wednesday 25 March 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The Treasurer introduced legislation to double maximum penalties for breaches of competition law and the Australian Consumer Law from $50 million to $100 million. The measure aims to deter price gouging, particularly in the fuel sector, and align Australia's penalties with those of comparable economies. The Treasurer highlighted broader government reforms to protect consumers and noted that all states and territories had agreed to the necessary changes. The debate was adjourned without further discussion from other members.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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2. Thursday 26 March 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate addressed two bills aimed at mitigating fuel price volatility and supply issues stemming from Middle East conflict, with the government arguing they were urgent necessities to protect consumers and truck drivers. Labor members supported the measures as essential protections against price gouging, while the opposition backed the penalty increases but criticized the rushed inclusion of the Fair Work amendment due to insufficient scrutiny. Independent members condemned the procedural handling by both major parties, and Greens member Elizabeth Watson-Brown moved an amendment regarding price gouging that was subsequently withdrawn. The bills were ultimately defeated in a division.

   Outcome: The bills were not passed, with a division result of 43 votes against and 93 votes for.

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3. Thursday 26 March 2026 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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4. Thursday 26 March 2026 · Senate

   First Reading
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5. Thursday 26 March 2026 · Senate

   In Committee

   Senator Nick McKim moved an amendment to insert a specific prohibition on price gouging into the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, arguing that the government's bill failed to address excessive fuel prices. Senator Katy Gallagher defended the bill, stating that doubling penalties for existing breaches was a transparent response to market issues. McKim contended that the government had misled the Senate by claiming the bill addressed price gouging when existing laws did not outlaw it outside the supermarket sector. Gallagher maintained that the government acted on ACCC advice regarding market dominance in supermarkets and supported ongoing ACCC investigations into fuel pricing. The amendment was not passed, and the debate concluded with Gallagher asserting the bill's transparency.

   Outcome: The amendment moved by Senator McKim was not agreed to.

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6. Thursday 26 March 2026 · Senate

   Limitation of Debate
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7. Thursday 26 March 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated legislation to double maximum penalties for competition and consumer law breaches from $50 million to $100 million, aimed at deterring price gouging during a fuel crisis. The government argued the measure protected consumers and aligned with international standards, while opposition parties supported the bill but criticised the government's delayed response to rising fuel prices. The Greens moved an amendment calling for a broader ban on price gouging and condemning government support for foreign military actions, which was defeated. The bill was ultimately not passed due to a division vote.

   Outcome: The bill was not passed following a division vote of 10 in favour and 25 against.

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