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This article is based on an official media release published by the ACCC on 2 December 2025. Bane Legal Services is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We are your trusted legal matchmaker helping business owners find the right commercial lawyer when they need one.   New digital competition rules could reshape how search and AI tools operate in Australia. When competition laws are breached in Australia, the consequences can be swift and expensive. The latest exa

The future of how lawyers enter the profession in New South Wales could be about to change. NSW Chief Justice Andrew Bell has called for sweeping reforms to the state’s Practical Legal Training (PLT) program – the mandatory final step before a law graduate can practise as a solicitor. NSW legal training reforms aim to make entry into the profession faster, cheaper, and more accessible for future lawyers. Currently, the PLT runs for around three months and costs students upwar

Australia’s competition watchdog has stepped in to prevent a near-monopoly in the nation’s keg pooling industry. ACCC blocks MicroStar’s proposed Konvoy acquisition, protecting competition in Australia’s keg pooling market.   In a recent decision, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)  announced it would oppose MicroStar Logistics LLC’s proposed acquisition  of the assets of Konvoy Holdings Pty Ltd (Receivers and Managers Appointed)  — two key players that

Australia’s payment landscape continues to evolve, with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) confirming it will not oppose Cuscal Limited’s (ASX:CCL) proposed acquisition of Indue Limited .   ACCC approves Cuscal’s acquisition of Indue, reflecting Australia’s shift toward a more scalable and innovative payment ecosystem. According to the ACCC’s official media release (24 October 2025) , the regulator concluded that the deal is unlikely to substantially le

A recent ACCC investigation  has revealed that the vast majority of furniture suppliers across Australia are failing to comply with the new mandatory safety information standard  for toppling furniture.   The sweep, conducted in partnership with state and territory consumer protection agencies , inspected more than 3,000 furniture products  across 160 businesses . The findings were alarming — 90 per cent  of businesses were non-compliant in some way, and over half  were entir

Published: November 2025 Source: Adapted from the ACCC media release, “ACCC puts retailers on notice ahead of Black Friday sweep” (10 November 2025). Misleading “limited time” and “up to X% off” claims are in the ACCC’s sights this Black Friday — businesses must ensure truthful, transparent advertising. As Australians gear up for another massive Black Friday sales period, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced a major compliance sweep — this t

Source:  Original media release by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) , dated 24 October 2025 . Disclaimer:   Bane Legal Services is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We connect clients with trusted commercial lawyers through over 30 years of business experience.     The ACCC supports continued collaboration among Australian banks to maintain nationwide access to cash, especially in regional communities. ACCC backs collaboration to secur

Published:  25 October 2025 Category:  Franchising Law Updates   Introduction   If you’re a franchisor in Australia, there’s a major compliance date fast approaching. From 1 November 2025 , several key rules under the new Franchising Code of Conduct  will come into effect — and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has released updated guidance to help franchisors prepare.   These changes are not just administrative. They directly impact how franchise agre

ACCC takes Microsoft to court over alleged misleading Microsoft 365 price rise and hidden subscription options. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has launched Federal Court proceedings against Microsoft Australia and its US parent company, Microsoft Corporation , alleging the tech giant misled around 2.7 million Australian customers  over subscription pricing and product options.   At the heart of the case are claims that Microsoft’s communications ab

From 1 July 2026 , new country-of-origin seafood labelling laws  will come into effect across Australia — and they’re set to make a big splash in the hospitality industry . Fresh seafood display with Australian and imported origin labels under new national labelling laws.   Under these rules, restaurants, cafés, and other food service venues  selling seafood for immediate consumption  must clearly display whether their seafood is:   Australian , imported , or a mix of Austral

Australian retailers are again in the spotlight after the Federal Court ordered The Good Guys Discount Warehouses (Australia) Pty Ltd  to pay $13.5 million in penalties  for misleading conduct relating to store credit and “StoreCash” promotions. The Good Guys fined $13.5m after misleading store credit promotions — highlighting ACCC enforcement and the importance of compliance in retail marketing. This enforcement action, brought by the Australian Competition and Consumer Comm

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has launched proceedings in the Federal Court against US-based company JustAnswer LLC, alleging it misled consumers through pricing practices and claims of government affiliation. (Source: ACCC media release, 23 September 2025) ACCC takes action against JustAnswer over alleged misleading pricing, subscription traps and false government affiliation claims — a warning for digital businesses.     What the ACCC Alleges   A

Published: October 2025 Based on an ACCC media release dated 9 October 2025. Elders’ acquisition of Delta Agribusiness gains ACCC approval following divestment commitments to maintain rural competition.   Australia’s agribusiness landscape is set for a major shift, with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) confirming it will not oppose Elders Limited’s (ASX: ELD) acquisition of Delta Agribusiness , subject to strict divestment conditions.   This decision

Australia’s second-largest telco, Optus , has been hit with a record $100 million penalty  after the Federal Court found it engaged in unconscionable conduct  when selling mobile phones and contracts to vulnerable Australians.   Optus hit with $100m court penalty for unconscionable conduct in phone sales — a key lesson for businesses on compliance with consumer law. This case, brought by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) , sends a strong reminder to al

Published: 3 September 2025 Source: ACCC Media Release   The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has commenced civil...

Published: 1 September 2025 Source: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)   The Australian Competition and Consumer...

Published: 28 August 2025   The former owner of fashion brands Noni B, Rivers, Katies, Rockmans, Millers, Autograph, Beme, Crossroads and...

Solvency challenges force business owners to decide between restructuring for growth or entering liquidation. In January 2025, LexVeritas...

Published: 19 August 2025 Source: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)   The Australian Competition and Consumer...

Published: 18 August 2025 Source: ACCC Media Release In a major development for digital markets, Google Asia Pacific has admitted to...