CPRC

When competition is weakened, consumers pay the price.
The shift to online markets has delivered convenience, but it has also created new ways for businesses to influence consumer choices using platform design, market power and restrictive practices.
The recent Booking.com case in Europe raises important questions about whether we are always getting the best deal online, and whether competition is working as it should in digital markets.

So what do we need? Australia needs consumer protections that reflect how people actually shop today—not how they shopped a decade ago.

Have a read of the story here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-30/booking-com-price-parity-clauses/106727746

The largest selection of hotels, homes, and vacation rentals Whether you’re looking for hotels, homes, or vacation rentals, you’ll always find the guaranteed best price. Browse our accommodations in over 85,000 destinations.

Are you confused by green claims when buying large appliances at home?

You’re not alone!

We think retailers and manufacturers can do much better.

Do Australians get a consistent experience when it comes to their mortgages?

Our research found that outcomes vary significantly across the mortgage market depending on your loan type and lender.

And while rate rises are passed on quickly and consistently, rate cuts are not a given for existing customers.

Only 31% of renters say their home meets all minimum standards.

Renting in Reality – Energy and Minimum Standards examines if Victoria’s rental system is meeting basic standards, and whether renters are being supported through the state’s energy transition.

Our report explores:

- rental property conditions across Victoria
- maintenance and repair practices
- compliance with minimum standards
- energy efficiency and electrification.

Read more in the comments.

Have you read our 'Renting in Reality' series?

We worked with renters and landlords across Victoria to understand some of the most pressing issues in the rental market.

Head to the comments to learn more.

We're signatories to Ecstra Foundation's shared call to action for strengthening financial wellbeing in Australia.

Australia has an opportunity to become an active world leader in financial capability and wellbeing - here's six ways our coalition says it can happen:

What a huge month it's been for consumer advocates across Australia!

Erin Turner reflects on how the dedicated work of consumer advocates is seeing vital reform come to life in 2026.

(and a special mention to our Deputy CEO Chandni Gupta for her work on unfair trading laws, dark patterns and subscription traps - meeting with over 25 organisations and interviewing over 70 experts around the world. Her work has undoubtedly made a difference, along with our colleagues over many years)

When ABC News tried out booking a hotel through a Guest Reservations site they found an almost $200 difference between booking through them and the hotel directly.

Tricking people into thinking they're on an official site is an unacceptable business model: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-28/guest-reservation-travel-website-booking-com/106423574

Can reform to Lenders Mortgage Insurance make Australian mortgages fairer?

In our joint report 'Australia's Broken Mortgage Market', Mortgage Stress Victoria shares the story of Mei.

After experiencing family violence and her personal belongings being destroyed in a fire, Mei then had to grapple with a range of debts - with Lenders Mortgage Insurance creating a significant barrier to moving on with her life.

Mortgage Stress Victoria were able to help Mei, but Lenders Mortgage Insurance continues to cause problems for many Australians.