Search

Australians Lost $2.18 Billion to Scams in 2025

Australians lost $2.18 billion to scams in 2025, according to the National Anti-Scam Centre's latest report. While reports stabilized, losses increased by 7.8% compared to 2024, with investment scams being the costliest. The report highlights the need for increased global collaboration to combat sophisticated scam activity, including those leveraging AI.

OPSM and Laubman & Pank franchisor pays $19,800 penalty for code breach

The ACCC has issued an infringement notice and accepted a $19,800 penalty from Luxottica Franchising Australia, trading as OPSM and Laubman & Pank, for allegedly breaching the Franchising Code of Conduct. The breach involved failing to maintain an up-to-date profile on the Franchise Disclosure Register.

Digital Platform Services Face Consumer Law Scrutiny

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is increasing scrutiny on digital platform services regarding consumer law, focusing on design choices and user journeys rather than just marketing. In-house counsel should address potential unconscionable conduct and misleading practices arising from platform design.

Fuel Prices: Diesel Rises Faster Than Petrol

The ACCC has reported that diesel prices have increased significantly faster than petrol prices across Australia's largest cities in the week ending March 25, 2026. The ACCC is closely monitoring the fuel market and has granted interim authorization to the Australian Institute of Petroleum to manage supply chain issues.

ACCC v Qteq - $5M and $1M Penalties Imposed for Cartel Conduct

The Federal Court of Australia has imposed penalties of $5 million and $1 million on Qteq Pty Ltd and its related entity respectively for contraventions of cartel prohibitions under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. The court also made a non-indemnification order against the second respondent.

Qteq and Chairman Fined $6 Million for Attempted Cartel Conduct

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announced that Qteq Pty Ltd and its executive chairman, Simon Ashton, have been fined a collective $6 million by the Federal Court for attempted cartel conduct. The penalties include $5 million for Qteq and $1 million for Mr. Ashton, who received the highest penalty for an individual in Australia for a competition law breach.

ACCC Monitors Domestic Aviation Impact from Middle East Conflict

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is monitoring the impact of the Middle East conflict on Australia's domestic airline industry, particularly concerning jet fuel prices and potential airfare increases. The ACCC is also reviewing domestic airline performance data, noting improvements in reliability but variations in cancellation rates between carriers.

PhotobookShop Fined for Misleading Influencer Reviews

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued PhotobookShop (Tomsem Consolidated Pty Ltd) with $39,600 in penalties for misleading influencer reviews posted on Instagram. The company allegedly failed to disclose paid endorsements and substantively edited negative feedback from influencers.

Aidacare Admits Misleading NDIS Customers on Consumer Rights

Aidacare, an NDIS registered provider, has admitted to misleading customers about their consumer guarantee rights and using unfair contract terms. As part of a court-enforceable undertaking with the ACCC, Aidacare will remediate affected consumers, stop using unfair terms, and establish an ACL compliance program.

ACCC Authorises Fuel Majors to Coordinate Supply with Conditions

The ACCC has granted urgent interim authorisation to the Australian Institute of Petroleum and its members to coordinate fuel supply chain management due to Middle East conflict impacts. This authorisation is conditional and does not permit coordination on fuel pricing.

ACCC Investigates Anti-Competitive Diesel Supply Conduct

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has launched an enforcement investigation into alleged anti-competitive conduct by major fuel suppliers regarding diesel supply in regional and rural Australia. The investigation is being conducted urgently due to widespread concerns about fuel pricing and supply.

ACCC Competition and Consumer Enforcement News Updates

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has published an update regarding discussions at an emergency fuel meeting. The meeting focused on consumer impacts and regional supply issues, with fuel companies outlining these concerns.

ACCC News Updates on Enforcement, Competition, and Consumer Issues

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) provides updates on its enforcement, competition, and consumer news. Recent items include discussions on fuel prices and surcharging practices, highlighting ongoing monitoring and engagement with industry.

Australian Airports Increase Infrastructure Investment, Potential Airfare Hikes

Australia's four major airports increased infrastructure investment by 43.6% in 2024-25, investing $1.5 billion. However, the ACCC warns that higher airport charges to airlines may lead to increased airfares for passengers.

ACCC to Scrutinise Fuel Pricing Amid Middle East Crisis

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will increase scrutiny of fuel pricing and distribution amid the Middle East crisis. The ACCC will hold urgent meetings with fuel market participants and commence weekly market updates to enhance transparency and address consumer concerns about price spikes and regional supply issues.

ACCC Monitors Petrol Prices Amid Middle East Conflict

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is monitoring petrol prices in response to the Middle East conflict and its impact on international crude oil costs. The ACCC has reminded fuel companies of their obligations under the Australian Consumer Law regarding price increase representations and stated it will take action against anti-competitive behaviour.

ACCC Monitoring of Fuel Prices

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has launched a new weekly fuel price monitoring update, highlighting significant and rapid price variations in petrol and diesel across Australian capital cities. The ACCC is seeking explanations from major fuel retailers regarding these price movements.

ACCC: Hyatt changes card surcharges after investigation

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announced that Hyatt hotels in Australia have changed their card payment surcharging practices following an ACCC investigation. Hyatt Regency Sydney was found to be charging debit card surcharges above its costs, in breach of the Competition and Consumer Act. All Hyatt hotels in Australia have now implemented changes to ensure compliance.