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ARTICLE · 23 JULY 2026

Proposed Changes To Australia’s Merger Control Regime

A&O Shearman
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Australia's mandatory merger notification regime, which began in January 2026, is already facing proposed amendments just six months into operation. The government seeks to refine key aspects including how non-notified acquisitions are handled, extending clearance periods, and clarifying notification requirements for minority investments.

AustraliaAntitrust/Competition Law
Peter McDonald
Peter McDonald
Lisa Emanuel
Lisa Emanuel
Travis Stuart
Travis Stuart
Louise Tolley
Louise Tolley
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Australia’s mandatory merger notification regime commenced on January 1, 2026. Just six months later, the government has proposed changes designed to “refine the operation of” the regime. These include replacing the automatic voiding of non-notified acquisitions with a Federal Court process, allowing extensions to the 12-month period for putting cleared acquisitions into effect, and narrowing notification requirements for certain minority investments.

The proposals are contained in the Treasury Laws Amendment (Strengthening Accountability for Tax Adviser Misconduct and Other Measures) Bill 2026 (Bill), which was introduced into the House of Representatives on July 2, 2026. We examine the key changes below.

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