In our Maddocks Watchdog Recap 2024 publication, we outlined the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) evolving leadership and strategic shifts, including a focus on systemic interventions and cost of living issues, predicting that it would potentially use litigation as a "last resort" for only the most serious matters. As we transition into the second half of the year, we can now review the ACCC's activities for the first half of the year, assessing how accurately our predictions have aligned with their actions and priorities for the year.
The ACCC's year so far
The ACCC has been highly active across its various areas of responsibility, demonstrating a robust commitment to consumer protection, fostering competition, and ensuring fair trading in key sectors throughout 2025.
Read our insights below on Consumer Protection and Fair Trading and Competition and Mergers.
The emphasis on protecting consumers from misleading practices and unconscionable conduct, particularly those experiencing vulnerability, remains strong, leading to significant penalties and redress.
The ACCC's activities in the first half of 2025 demonstrate a vigorous and strategically focused approach to its compliance and enforcement priorities.
Our annual examination of enforcement and regulatory activity by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, and how well it performed against its announced enforcement priorities.