The Albanese Government is strengthening protections for Australians, taking decisive action to disrupt scams and making Australia a harder target for criminals.
Today, the Government has designated banking, telecommunications, and key digital platforms as the first sectors under the Scams Prevention Framework (SPF) - targeting the areas where Australians face the greatest risk.
Australians deserve to feel safe when they bank, connect and transact online.
These reforms put consumers first - strengthening protections, simplifying complaints, and ensuring people can get help quickly when something goes wrong.
Designation means sectors will have to put systems in place so they are ready for 31 March next year when they will be required to take stronger action to prevent, detect and disrupt scams, and provide clear pathways for consumers to report incidents and resolve complaints.
The SPF is backed by close collaboration with industry partners, recognising their critical role on the frontline in protecting customers and stopping scams before harm occurs.
The Government will continue to closely monitor scam activity and will not hesitate to bring additional sectors into scope where needed.
We have also released draft rules and sector codes for consultation to ensure the reforms are practical, effective and deliver real protections for consumers. These mandatory codes will drive stronger prevention measures across key sectors of the economy.
Consumers will benefit from stronger dispute resolution, with work underway alongside industry and consumer groups to simplify how complaints involving multiple organisations are handled.
A paper released today also sets out clear guidelines and processes to support consumer redress.
It sets out that Government believes that scam victims with verified losses below $3,000 be automatically reimbursed to support quick resolution and minimise the cost of investigating complaints.
Stakeholders are encouraged to review the draft rules and codes and provide feedback through the consultation process on the Treasury website. Submissions close 25 June 2026.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, Daniel Mulino MP
"Scams are costing Australians billions, and the human impact is even greater.
"That's why we're moving beyond voluntary action to a stronger, coordinated approach across the economy.
"By working with industry, we're stopping scams earlier and protecting Australians' hard‑earned money."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications and Minister for Sport, Anika Wells MP
"Everyone, including the telecommunications industry, has a role to play to stop people being ripped off by dodgy scams.
"The Scams Prevention Framework is another way the Albanese Government is cracking down on those who are being taken advantage of.
"ACMA already enforces rules for telcos to identify, track and block scam calls and SMS. Around 109.9 million scam calls and 41.1 million scam SMS were blocked by telcos between October and December 2025 alone.
"Through ACMA, the SMS Sender ID Register, which commences on 1 July, will make it harder for scammers to impersonate branded SMS or MMS. It's another tool the Albanese Government is adding to our arsenal of the world's toughest anti‑scam laws."
