Competition and Consumer Amendment (Unfair Trading Practices) Act 2026

The Competition and Consumer Amendment (Unfair Trading Practices) Act 2026 passed both Houses of Parliament on 2 July 2026 and received Royal Assent on 6 July 2026 as Act No. 64 of 2026. The Act amends the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 to insert a new general prohibition on unfair trading practices into the existing consumer protection framework, alongside related amendments addressing drip pricing and subscription contracts.

The general prohibition is a new standalone cause of action distinct from existing prohibitions on misleading or deceptive conduct and unconscionable conduct, and is intended to capture trading practices that unfairly cause, or are likely to cause, consumer detriment even where no specific misrepresentation is made. On the information available, the prohibition does not currently extend to financial products or financial services, which remain subject to their existing regulatory regime.

The amending Act commences on 1 July 2027, giving businesses a lead time before the new prohibition takes effect. The drip pricing and subscription contract provisions address related but distinct conduct, including the separate presentation of mandatory fees and charges and the terms on which consumers enter and exit subscription arrangements. The full schedule of amendments is available in the Act as made on the Federal Register of Legislation.