In remarks opening its Competition and Consumer Workshop, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission reviewed how competition and consumer regulation is adapting to economic disruption, the energy transition and increasingly complex digital markets. It reported early benefits from the new mandatory merger regime, with approximately 90% of mergers determined within 20 business days, while cautioning that its longer-term effect on deterring and preventing anticompetitive acquisitions will take more time to assess. The ACCC identified three priorities for the next five years: a responsive legal framework, stronger legal, economic, data and technical capabilities, and regulation proportionate to the source and scale of harm. Nearer-term work includes forthcoming guidance on emissions-related claims, support for stronger product safety obligations for online marketplaces and continued advocacy for reforms to consumer guarantees and supplier indemnification laws. From July 1, 2027, a new general prohibition will cover conduct that manipulates consumers or unreasonably distorts their decision-making environment and causes harm, alongside measures addressing unfair subscription practices and drip pricing.
2026-09-03Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission reports faster merger reviews and sets three priorities for changing markets
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission reported that approximately 90% of mergers are being determined within 20 business days under the new mandatory regime. It identified responsiveness, stronger regulatory capabilities and proportionate intervention as priorities for the next five years, alongside further work on environmental claims, online product safety and consumer protections.