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

McKim argued the fuel crisis was a predictable consequence of foreign military actions supported by the government. McKim moved an amendment noting that price gouging is not broadly banned and calling on the government to extend supermarket price gouging bans to the whole economy and cease supporting the war. McKim contended the bill did nothing to stop corporations from raising prices and misled the public about its effectiveness.

McKenzie supported increasing ACCC penalties but criticised the lack of immediate enforcement actions against fuel suppliers. McKenzie highlighted the severe impact of rising fuel costs on the trucking industry, agriculture, and households, noting that trucking businesses were failing at an accelerated rate. McKenzie called for disaster recovery arrangements, removal of road user charges, and regulatory changes to ease freight movement, arguing the government had delayed practical relief measures.

Whitten stated One Nation supported the bill but argued it was insufficient to address the fuel shortage and price spikes. Whitten called for the triggering of the Liquid Fuel Emergency Act to force supply to regional areas and proposed cutting fuel excise and GST to reduce costs. Whitten criticised the Greens' amendment as unworkable and argued the government was profiting from higher fuel taxes while failing to ensure adequate supply.

Cash supported the bill but urged the government to take immediate practical steps to address fuel shortages at specific service stations. Cash highlighted concerns from the waste recycling industry, which was excluded from the fuel priority list, and called for its inclusion to prevent public health issues. Cash argued the government knew where fuel supplies were located and should direct tankers to areas running dry rather than holding meetings.

Waters argued the bill was ineffective because it only increased penalties for existing offences without banning price gouging outright. Waters contended that the government was misleading the public by implying the legislation would stop corporations from raising prices. Waters called for a comprehensive ban on price gouging across the economy and criticised the government for supporting foreign conflicts that drove up fuel costs.

Hume described the situation as a genuine national energy and fuel crisis, noting that many petrol stations were running dry. Hume criticised the government for initially denying the crisis and then blaming consumers for panic buying. Hume highlighted the impact on small businesses, farmers, and the tourism sector, arguing that the bill was a minor step that did not address the urgent need to get fuel flowing.