Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development
The ACCC has welcomed the Australian Government allocating an additional $67.7 million over four years to further strengthen the ACCC’s competition and consumer law enforcement capabilities.
“Active, proportionate and evidence-based enforcement of Australia’s competition and consumer laws has been central to the ACCC’s work for many years, and is vital for the strength and productivity of our economy as a whole,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said.
“This additional funding will ensure we keep pace with technological advancements and remain effective in identifying, investigating and addressing unlawful conduct that harms consumers and seeks to disadvantage businesses that follow the rules.”
The ACCC announces its compliance and enforcement priorities at the start of each year in response to emerging risks and changing market conditions. Current priorities include competition and consumer issues in key sectors of the Australian economy, including supermarkets and retail, essential services, aviation and digital markets.
The 2026-27 Federal Budget measures relating to the ACCC also included funding to:
- produce guidance materials and education campaigns ahead of amendments to the Australian Consumer Law coming into force, including a general prohibition on unfair trading practices and penalties for non-compliance with consumer guarantees
- develop nationally consistent safety standards for all e-micromobility devices, including e-scooters, establish a surveillance program and take targeted compliance and enforcement action
- continue the National Anti-Scam Centre’s activities for 12 months
- continue as the Digital ID Regulator for a further four years
- continue the ACCC’s Consumer Data Right functions for two more years.
“This additional funding highlights that on top of our role as an independent law enforcement agency, we have many additional regulatory responsibilities to safeguard consumers, promote competition, and bring transparency to complex markets,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.
Background
The ACCC is an independent statutory government authority and Australia’s peak consumer protection and competition agency.
The ACCC uses a range of tools to promote compliance with the Competition and Consumer Act (CCA) and the Australian Consumer Law.
This includes commencing proceedings in the Federal Court for alleged breaches of the CCA. The ACCC is not able to determine a breach of the CCA – only a court can find that a contravention has occurred.
If the ACCC is successful in a Federal Court matter, the penalty imposed is determined by the Court. The ACCC makes submissions to the Court on the appropriate penalty it considers should be imposed.
The ACCC also seeks to ensure compliance through consumer and business education, industry engagement, communications, research and advocacy.
When deciding whether to pursue a matter, the ACCC will consider whether it falls into a current enforcement priority area, and will also consider if it is:
- conduct that results in substantial consumer or small business detriment
- conduct that has a significant impact on the cost of living
- conduct or practices that disproportionately target consumers experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage
- conduct that is of significant public interest or concern
- national conduct by large traders, recognising the potential for greater consumer detriment and the likelihood that conduct of large traders can influence other market participants
- conduct involving a significant new or emerging market issue or where our action is likely to have an educative or deterrent effect
- action that will help to clarify aspects of the law, especially newer provisions of the CCA.