Consumer Affairs ministers and officials from the Commonwealth, States, Territories and New Zealand will meet in Canberra on Friday, 21 November 2025. Alongside ACCC Chair Gina Cass‑Gottlieb, ASIC Commissioner Alan Kirkland, and representatives from consumer groups they will meet to set the next wave of national consumer reforms and an ambitious agenda for 2026.
Ministers will discuss progress on reforms to protect consumers from unfair trading practices, strengthening the consumer guarantees and supplier indemnification framework and introducing civil pecuniary penalties and expanded enforcement powers for breaches.
This national meeting follows a landmark year, with governments working on key consumer protection priorities including:
- Reviewing Australia's first Right to Repair law, the Motor Vehicle Information Sharing Scheme, laying the groundwork for broader Right to Repair reforms
- Making it easier for Australia to recognise overseas standards and keeping product safety standards up‑to‑date - ensuring products are safe, high quality and affordable.
This builds on the Albanese Government's commitment to strong consumer protections for Australians, which includes:
- Consulting on options to strengthen the Unit Pricing Code, including adding penalties and tackling shrinkflation
- Reviewing Artificial Intelligence and the Australian Consumer Law, demonstrating that consumer protections are well placed to safeguard Australians when using these products
Quote attributable to the Hon Andrew Leigh MP
"This meeting is about making sure the rules keep pace with the risks. Consumers deserve confidence that the products they buy and the services they use are safe, fair and transparent."
