The ACCC has announced the industry sectors and competition and consumer law issues in focus for 2023/24
In brief
Yesterday, the Chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), Gina Cass-Gottlieb, announced the ACCC’s compliance and enforcement priorities for 2023/24 and the market studies and advocacy work that the ACCC would continue this year.
Ms. Cass-Gottlieb identified a range of industry sectors, as well as specific competition and consumer law issues that will be the focus of the ACCC’s compliance and enforcement activities for 2023/24. Many of these areas continue from last year.
Key takeaways
- Key sectors the ACCC will be focusing on in 2023/24 include gas markets, the digital economy, essential services (particularly telecommunications and energy) and the financial services sector. The ACCC will also continue its ongoing focus on digital platforms.
- The ACCC will work to improve compliance with environmental and sustainability claims (addressing what is often referred to as ‘greenwashing’), prevent scams, enforce new prohibitions on unfair contract terms, prevent anti-competitive exclusive arrangements and ensure consumer product safety (particularly for young children).
- The ACCC will continue to focus on its enduring priorities, with a renewed focus on cartel conduct, product safety and conduct impacting First Nations Australians.