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 Greens bill would make it illegal for any company with a large degree of market power to charge an excessive price, across the whole economy. The excessive price would be measured against what a competitive market would charge. The Senate debate focused on supermarket prices, the cost of living, and whether the bill would work in practice.
Arguments made in support
The Greens said Coles and Woolworths hold about two-thirds of the supermarket market, and big companies are using their market power to raise prices.
Greens senators argued price gouging also happens in banking, energy, insurance and airlines, so a ban should cover the whole economy, not just supermarkets.
Supporters said the bill follows advice from former ACCC chair Professor Allan Fels and a European model.
Greens senators argued price gouging adds to inflation and interest rate pressure, and tackling it would ease cost-of-living stress.
Senator Payman said the government's supermarket regulations were made without parliamentary scrutiny, start late, and leave out other sectors.
Arguments made against, or for changes
One Nation said it supports the aim but opposes the bill, saying its wording is unclear and would mainly lead to long court cases.
One Nation senators argued existing laws should be enforced first, and that more regulation would hurt small businesses and reduce competition.
Senator Canavan argued the bill amounts to government price setting, with no clear benchmark for working out a competitive price.
Opponents warned that wrongly set prices could hurt farmers and suppliers and lead to shortages of basic goods.
11 speeches by 8 members in the Senate over 1 sitting day.
Hansard: Senate, 5 Feb 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Includes votes on amendments and procedure.