Competition and Consumer Amendment (Unfair Trading Practices) Bill 2026

Senator McKIM (Tasmania—Australian Greens Whip) (10:12): I've got a couple of questions for the minister. Minister, is the government aware that the ACCC, ASIC and a number of organisations in Australia representing consumers, including the Consumer Policy Research Centre and the Consumer Action Law Centre, have all advocated for the government to extend the ban on unfair trading— The CHAIR: Senator McKim, I might get you to pause.

Could senators please leave the chamber quietly if they're not participating in debate. Senator McKIM: Thanks very much for your protection there, Chair. The CHAIR: I couldn't hear what you were saying.

Senator Ayres: I think it's more in my interest. Senator McKIM: I'll start again, will I? Minister, is the government aware that the ACCC wants to extend the ban on unfair trading practices to the financial services sector?

Is the government aware that ASIC wants to extend the ban on unfair trading practices to the financial services sector? Is the government aware that peak consumer groups, including the Consumer Policy Research Centre and the Consumer Action Law Centre, want to extend the ban on unfair practices to the financial services sector? If you are aware of those things, why haven't you done it?