CPRC

🎉 Australia's unfair trading reforms have passed Parliament.

Today, Parliament passed landmark unfair trading reforms that will give Australians stronger protections from 1 July 2027.

This milestone follows years of advocacy from consumer organisations, researchers and advocates who have worked tirelessly to strengthen Australia's consumer protections. 🙌

Today is a moment to celebrate. The countdown is now on until
unfair business practices are illegal.

Read more: cprc.org.au/release/countdown-is-on-until-unfair-is-illegal

When competition is weakened, consumers pay the price.
The shift to online markets has delivered convenience, but it has also created new ways for businesses to influence consumer choices using platform design, market power and restrictive practices.
The recent Booking.com case in Europe raises important questions about whether we are always getting the best deal online, and whether competition is working as it should in digital markets.

So what do we need? Australia needs consumer protections that reflect how people actually shop today—not how they shopped a decade ago.

Have a read of the story here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-30/booking-com-price-parity-clauses/106727746

The largest selection of hotels, homes, and vacation rentals Whether you’re looking for hotels, homes, or vacation rentals, you’ll always find the guaranteed best price. Browse our accommodations in over 85,000 destinations.

Are you confused by green claims when buying large appliances at home?

You’re not alone!

We think retailers and manufacturers can do much better.

Do Australians get a consistent experience when it comes to their mortgages?

Our research found that outcomes vary significantly across the mortgage market depending on your loan type and lender.

And while rate rises are passed on quickly and consistently, rate cuts are not a given for existing customers.

What a huge month it's been for consumer advocates across Australia!

Erin Turner reflects on how the dedicated work of consumer advocates is seeing vital reform come to life in 2026.

(and a special mention to our Deputy CEO Chandni Gupta for her work on unfair trading laws, dark patterns and subscription traps - meeting with over 25 organisations and interviewing over 70 experts around the world. Her work has undoubtedly made a difference, along with our colleagues over many years)

When ABC News tried out booking a hotel through a Guest Reservations site they found an almost $200 difference between booking through them and the hotel directly.

Tricking people into thinking they're on an official site is an unacceptable business model: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-28/guest-reservation-travel-website-booking-com/106423574