Australia's antitrust watchdog welcomes A$67.7m enforcement funding boost
( May 13, 2026, 04:35 GMT | Official Statement) -- MLex Summary: The Australian government’s allocation of an additional A$67.7 million ($48.9 million) over four years to strengthen the competition and consumer law enforcement has been welcomed by the antitrust watchdog. In a statement on Wednesday, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission said the additional funding would help ensure it remained effective in identifying, investigating and addressing unlawful conduct that harms consumers and competition. Budget papers released on Tuesday showed the regulator’s overall resourcing declining from A$596 million in 2025–26 to A$477 million in 2026–27, while average staffing levels expected to fall from 1,766 to 1,468. The government said the reduction reflected the separation of the Australian Energy Regulator into a standalone agency from July 1.Statement follows. Budget paper is attached....
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