The national competition regulator is taking on a number of new roles.

Last week’s federal budget brought with it additional responsibilities for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) in scams, childcare, water trading and an extension of the regulator’s gas inquiry role. 

The Government has asked the ACCC to examine the voluntary Code of Conduct governing Gas Supply Agreements between Gas Suppliers and Gas Customers and advise on options to improve its operation, improve price transparency and ensure reasonable pricing.

The government has also extended the ACCC’s gas inquiry role through to 2030.

“This new and extended work shows the importance of matters in this sector and the contribution the ACCC can make at a time of significant global energy pressures,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said.

The ACCC will also use seed funding from the budget to collaborate with other agencies to prepare for the establishment of a national anti-scams centre.

“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,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb 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.”

The ACCC has also been asked to conduct an inquiry into the supply of childcare services in Australia to be undertaken in 2023.

“Accessible, quality and affordable childcare is vital for Australian workers and families and essential for workforce participation for many people with young children,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

“We have commenced preparatory work for this inquiry, and expect to shortly begin engagement with the sector on information gathering.”

Earlier in October, the Federal Government announced a new role for the ACCC as the water market conduct regulator in the Murray-Darling Basin.

To support the implementation of a mandatory code of conduct for intermediaries, the ACCC has received funding to conduct education and compliance work to support the implementation of the code. 

This measure was recommended by the ACCC’s Murray-Darling Basin water markets report in 2021. The ACCC’s role will build into a substantial role from mid 2025.

“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.