NOTICES

Senator CHISHOLM (Queensland—Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Assistant Minister for Resources and Deputy Manager of Government Business in the Senate) (15:38): I give notice that, on the next day of sitting, I shall move: That the provisions of paragraphs (5) to (8) of standing order 111 not apply to the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Unfair Trading Practices) Bill 2026, allowing it to be considered during this period of sittings.

I also table a statement of reasons justifying the need for this bill to be considered during these sittings and seek leave to have the statement incorporated in Hansard. Leave granted. The document read as follows— STATEMENT OF REASONS FOR INTRODUCTION AND PASSAGE IN THE 2026 WINTER SITTINGS COMPETITION AND CONSUMER AMENDMENT (RESPONDING TO EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES) BILL 2026 Purpose of the Bill The purpose of the Bill is to establish new, streamlined powers for both the Treasurer and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to permit coordinated action during a crisis to enable a prompt response to challenging situations Australia may face during exceptional global or domestic circumstances.

These powers would be used in the case of an emergency or exceptional circumstances to allow for industry to support government responses with protection from the competition prohibitions in the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. Reasons for Urgency Passage in the 2026 Winter sitting is essential to support the Government's response to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East which is impacting fuel prices and affecting Australian businesses and consumers.

Passage of the Bill provides the Government with the ability to use these new powers to prevent any further deterioration of the fuel situation.