On 26 November2025, The Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP (Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury) made the first consumer ministerial statement to Parliament in 17 years.
The statement, to the House of Representatives, contained information about a wide range of measures the government has taken, or plans to take, to better protect and empower Australian consumers, including action taken on frauds and plans to ban unfair trading practices.
Amongst many examples he highlighted “Nowhere is the need for fairness more obvious than in the supermarket aisles. Together, Coles and Woolworths account for two‑thirds of the market. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has found Australia’s big supermarkets are among the most profitable in the world, with limited incentives to compete on price. Families are paying too much for essentials while farmers and suppliers face pressure on the other end. Our reforms tackle this head‑on.”
The Minister had just chaired a meeting with consumer ministers in Canberra and has the support of state and territory governments, for the Labor government in banning unfair trading practices. These will include the banning subscription traps and drip pricing and strengthening consumer guarantees and the supply indemnification framework.
He said, “Unfair trading practices do not just cost households; they also reveal how manipulative design and a lack of disclosure can tilt markets against consumers. Our reforms introduce a principles‑based and economy‑wide ban on unfair trading practices – a clear rule against conduct that manipulates or distorts consumer decision‑making, causing harm.”
He highlighted that the government would consult stakeholders on draft legislation in early 2026, with a view to bringing legislation to parliament later in the year.
The Ministers statement concluded with these comments, “We’ll keep building momentum and continue to deepen cooperation across jurisdictions, aligning enforcement, sharing intelligence and ensuring consistent protection, so that whether you live in Humpty Doo or Hobart, Bundaberg or Busselton, Australia’s consumer authorities have your back.
Markets depend on trust—that prices are fair, contracts are clear and competition is genuine. Labor’s consumer reforms are delivering that trust, helping households get a fair deal and rewarding businesses that play by the rules. Confident consumers and fair competition make better markets and a stronger, fairer economy.”
The Seafood Consumers Association are looking forward to collaborating with the Minister to ensure seafood consumers are not forgotten during these processes.
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