From www.klgates.com: The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has outlined its Compliance and Enforcement priorities for 2025-2026, focusing on consumer protection in the retail sector amid cost of living pressures and addressing issues like misleading surcharging practices.

New priorities include tackling unfair contract terms in online sales, promoting compliance with consumer guarantees, and ensuring fair trading in the digital economy.

The ACCC also has ongoing concerns with environmental claims, cartel activities, and the forthcoming mandatory merger clearance regime set to begin in January 2026.