The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is to take on new responsibilities in scams, childcare and water trading as part of the recently announced Federal Budget 2022-23.
Welcoming the additional work, Chair of the ACCC, Gina Cass-Gottlieb said the Budget also provided funding to extend the Commission’s gas inquiry role.
Ms Cass-Gottlieb said the ACCC would use seed funding from the Budget to collaborate with other Agencies to prepare for the establishment of a national anti-scams centre.
“This funding allows for a range of Agencies to work together to plan the best way of supporting the community in the fight against scammers,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.
“The anti-scams-centre is designed to give consumers one contact point for advice on how to prevent scams and what to do when they have been hit,” she said.
“We look forward to contributing to the blueprint for this important work to better guard the community against and respond to the dangers of scams.”
Ms Cass-Gottlieb said the ACCC would conduct an inquiry into the supply of childcare services in Australia next year, looking at accessibility, quality and affordability.
She said a formal direction from Government with terms of reference was expected shortly.
The Chair said the Commission’s new role as water market conduct regulator, announced last month, would see it conduct education and compliance work to support the implementation of a mandatory code of conduct for intermediaries.
“This measure was recommended by the ACCC’s Murray-Darling Basin water markets report in 2021,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said
“The ACCC’s role will build into a substantial role from mid-2025,” she said.
“This is an important new role in a crucial market for the Australian economy and basin communities that will help build trust in the Murray-Darling water markets.”
Ms Cass-Gottlieb said the ACCC’s gas inquiry role had been extended through to 2030.
