Key areas of focus for the year ahead 5 min read
The ACCC remains focused on the protection of consumers and small business in its 2025/26 enforcement priorities announced by Gina Cass-Gottlieb on 20 February 2025.
- Cartels and anti-competitive conduct remain an ongoing enforcement priority.
- Competition and consumer issues that impact cost of living pressures remain a priority, with the ACCC focusing on firms with market power, conduct that impacts small businesses and misleading pricing practices.
- For consumers and small businesses, there will be a particular focus on unfair contract terms, improving compliance with consumer guarantees (particularly in consumer electronics) and continued advocacy for the introduction of a prohibition against unfair trading practices and penalties for non-compliance with consumer guarantees.
- Greenwashing and sustainability collaborations remain a key area of focus for the ACCC. Particularly in recognition of the substantial impact that greenwashing can have on consumer trust, as well as the incentives for businesses to invest in 'green' activities.