An Unfair Trading Prohibition means Australians will not be tricked or trapped by unfair practices

Consumer Policy Research Centre CEO Erin Turner

Following in the footsteps of the UK, EU, US and Singapore, the Australian Federal Government have introduced an Unfair Trading Prohibition to the Australian Parliament.

The Competition and Consumer Amendment (Unfair Trading Practices) Bill 2026 introduces a ban on unfair trading practices, a crack down on drip pricing, and an end to subscription traps.

Federal Treasurer The Hon Jim Chalmers MP says the move will help ease the cost of living for Australians.

Whether it’s traps that make it difficult or confusing to cancel a subscription, hidden fees and charges at different stages of a purchase, deceptive or manipulative practices online or making it difficult for people to report problems with their products or services, we’re going to toughen the rules.

17 leading Australian consumer groups have welcomed the introduction of the Bill after over a decade of research and advocacy.

“It’s shocking that businesses have been able to treat customers unfairly for so long and we’re glad to see the Albanese Government take action to set a baseline for fair behaviour in Australian consumer markets” says Erin Turner, CEO of the Consumer Policy Research Centre.

Whether it’s a subscription that you can’t cancel or being upsold a junk extended warranty that gives you no extra legal protection, these laws will stop harmful practices that cost people money, time and stress.

Consumer advocates and community legal services say they’ve seen the people who access their services harmed for too long.

“Every day, we see conduct on our front lines that is simply predatory and seems particularly unfair for consumers who are already vulnerable and battling cost of living pressure on so many fronts” says Roberta Grealish, Principal Solicitor at the Consumer Credit Legal Service WA (CCLS).

We welcome legislation that will make ‘unfair’ illegal, enhance consumer protections, and help restore consumer trust in the market.

First Nations consumer advocates have strongly backed the laws, saying an Unfair Trading Prohibition will put the onus on businesses to sell appropriately to First Nations consumers.

“For many years, so many First Nations consumers have been exploited because they were never given free, prior and informed consent” says Mob Strong Debt Help Acting Director, Mark Holden.

An Unfair Trading Prohibition means businesses need to better understand how to sell appropriately to mob and not just try to score a quick sale through manipulation.

The reforms are expected to take effect on 1 July 2027.