Competition and Consumer Amendment (Responding to Exceptional Circumstances) Bill 2026

Summary

Amends the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 to: enable the minister to make an exemptional circumstance declaration; enable the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to authorise and exempt conduct from competition law that is in the public interest and assists in the response to those exceptional circumstances; and increase the maximum penalties for breaches of the Oil Code of Conduct. Also makes consequential amendments to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 and National Emergency Declaration Act 2020.