On 23 September 2024, the Australian Treasury released its draft of the Treasury Laws Amendment (Fairer for Families and Farmers) Bill 2024: Industry Codes (Penalties and other Amendments) (the Bill).

The Bill aims to implement the government’s response to the recent reviews of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct and the Franchising Code of Conduct. Proposed reforms to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) (CCA) aim to:

1. Provide clarification on the penalty regime for industry codes prescribed under the CCA;

2. Increase the maximum penalty for breaches of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct;

3. Respond to alleged breaches of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct and Franchising Code of Conduct through higher infringement notice penalties; and

4. Provide clarification on the ability to confer functions and powers on persons and bodies under industry codes prescribed under the CCA.  

The consultation period is currently open and closes on Friday 4 October 2024. Interested parties can find information on how to comment on the consultation here.

Please contact us if you would like more information or would like to discuss any of the above:

Alicia Hill
Principal
T: +61 3 9611 0180 | M: +61 484 313 865
E: ahill@sladen.com.au