Reform of Australia’s competition policies and laws — Recent good progress but more is needed

Marcus Bezzi

Competition and Consumer Law Journal

Marcus Bezzi, ‘Reform of Australia’s competition policies and laws — Recent good progress but more is needed’ (2026) 32 Competition and Consumer Law Journal 1

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Abstract

The articles discusses the Australian Treasury’s reform process through the ‘Competition Review’. It has driven reforms, including merger control, small but important improvements to ACCC investigative powers and the revitalisation of National Competition Policy (‘NCP’). The new merger control system aligns Australia with international best practices, introducing mandatory notification thresholds and enhancing the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (‘ACCC’) role in preventing anti-competitive mergers while enabling appropriate review by the Australian Competition Tribunal. Future reforms are being progressed focused on revitalising National Competition Policy and on addressing non-compete clauses and other restraints on labor mobility and higher wages. The revitalised NCP aims to support economic growth and productivity by fostering competitive market conditions and reducing barriers to trade and commerce. Ongoing reform has the potential to ensure Australia’s competition policies and laws continue to support a dynamic and prosperous economy.