What was debated in Parliament
Summarised using AI from the official Hansard transcript of the debate only. It is not a record of the debate and may leave things out. Read the Hansard below to check it.
This bill doubles the maximum penalty for breaking competition and consumer law, such as misleading customers or price fixing, from $50 million to $100 million per offence. The Government brought it in during a fuel crisis linked to war in the Middle East, saying companies should not use the conflict to overcharge. In the House it was debated together with a separate bill for truck drivers, so much of the debate was about rushed process, fuel prices and supply.
Arguments made in support
The Government said bigger penalties would let the ACCC come down hard on any company using the war as an excuse for illegal or unfair pricing.
Labor members said the OECD found Australia's penalties were low by world standards, and the change only raises penalties without changing the offences.
Government speakers said the bill is part of a wider fuel response, including releasing fuel reserves and changing fuel standards.
The Coalition supported the bill, and moved in the House to bring it on for an urgent vote.
Independent Zali Steggall supported the bill, saying penalties must be big enough to outweigh any gain from misconduct.
Arguments made against, or for changes
Coalition speakers said the government waited two weeks to bring in the bill, and that higher penalties will not add fuel or lower prices.
Coalition members and independents criticised the government for joining a brand new truckie bill to this debate, leaving no time to read it.
Kate Chaney said doubling penalties was unlikely to change company behaviour, and both major parties were blocking proper scrutiny.
The Greens said the bill does not ban price gouging, and moved an amendment to ban it across the whole economy.
Coalition and One Nation members said cutting fuel excise or GST would give faster relief, and questioned whether the ACCC enforces existing laws.
78 speeches by 54 members in the House and Senate over 3 sitting days.
Hansard: House of Representatives, 25 Mar 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 26 Mar 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 26 Mar 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Includes votes on amendments and procedure.