Consumers could finally be free from hidden fees and subscription traps under new laws

Australians could soon be freed from the pain of hidden transaction fees or being caught in subscription fees under new draft laws released by the federal government today.

The proposed legislation would force businesses to provide clear and easy ways for customers to cancel their subscriptions, and clearly disclose any transaction fees, rather than hiding them until online shoppers get to the checkout.

"The draft laws would outlaw harmful business conduct that unreasonably manipulates or distorts consumer decision-making," Assistant Competition and Treasury Minister Andrew Leigh said.

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"Too many Australians have clicked 'buy' only to discover extra charges at the final screen, or found themselves locked into subscriptions that are far easier to start than to stop."

Leigh said companies would need to alert customers at key points during subscriptions, notifying them about upcoming payments.

The government first flagged the introduction of new laws to tackle "rip-offs from unfair trading practices" in 2024.

However, the original 2024 announcement also flagged upcoming changes to combat dynamic pricing, which occurs when a price changes during the transaction process.

Dynamic pricing was a hot topic at the time, with concertgoers wishing to go to a Green Day concert forced to pay up to $500 for tickets, while prices for sporting events like the Australian Open and Australian Grand Prix were also affected.

The new laws announced today make no mention of dynamic pricing.

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Nine.com.au has contacted Leigh's office for comment on dynamic pricing.

He also said regulators would have more authority to protect customers and enforce the new laws.

The measures, which have been planned in collaboration with state governments, will help Australians' hip pockets, Leigh said.

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"With cost-of-living pressures front of mind, the government is acting to ensure the price consumers see is the price they pay," he said.

"Stronger competition is essential to easing cost-of-living pressures."

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