Australia’s competition watchdog has welcomed a government decision to provide an additional A$67.7 million ($44 million) over four years to strengthen its enforcement and regulatory capabilities.
The funding package, announced as part of the 2026–27 Federal Budget, will support the work of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission in competition and consumer protection enforcement, as well as a range of expanding regulatory functions.
“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 in a statement.
Cass-Gottlieb said the additional funding would help the agency keep pace with technological developments and strengthen its ability to detect and address unlawful conduct harming consumers and compliant businesses.
The ACCC said its current enforcement priorities include competition and consumer issues in supermarkets and retail, essential services, aviation and digital markets.
The new budget measures will also fund consumer guidance and education campaigns ahead of upcoming amendments to the Australian Consumer Law, including the introduction of a general prohibition on unfair trading practices and penalties tied to breaches of consumer guarantees.
Additional resources will support the development of nationally consistent safety standards for e-micromobility devices such as e-scooters, alongside surveillance and targeted enforcement activity.
The government will also continue funding for the National Anti-Scam Centre for another year, extend the ACCC’s role as Digital ID regulator for four years, and maintain the agency’s Consumer Data Right functions for an additional two years.
The ACCC said the funding reflects the breadth of its responsibilities beyond traditional law enforcement, including market transparency, consumer protection and digital regulation.
Under Australia’s competition framework, the ACCC can investigate alleged breaches of the Competition and Consumer Act and bring proceedings before the Federal Court, but only the court can determine whether violations have occurred and impose penalties.
Source: https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/accc-welcomes-additional-funding
