The Albanese Government is taking action to improve product recalls and strengthen Australia’s response when unsafe products reach consumers.
For the first time in over a decade, the Government is taking a dedicated look at how Australia’s product recall system works.
Recent product safety incidents, including recalls of children’s coloured sand products because of asbestos concerns and several other consumer product recalls, highlight the importance of identifying safety risks early and acting quickly.
The Government is releasing a Consultation Regulation Impact Statement seeking views on reforms to Australia’s post‑market product safety framework.
The consultation examines options to improve recalls and reporting processes, strengthen regulatory intervention powers and enforcement arrangements, and help regulators identify and respond to safety risks more quickly.
This consultation is the first stage of the Government’s broader product safety reform agenda.
Future reforms will include mandatory safety requirements for online marketplaces, nationally consistent standards for e‑bikes and other e‑micromobility devices, and consideration of wider product safety reforms to further protect Australian consumers.
In July 2026, Consumer Ministers agreed that broader product safety reforms remain a priority, including consideration of general safety protections.
The Government encourages consumers, businesses and other interested stakeholders to have their say.
Submissions can be made through the Treasury Consultation Hub from Monday, 21 September until Sunday, 18 October 2026.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, Andrew Leigh
“Australians should be able to trust that the products they buy are safe. When a dangerous product reaches the market, speed matters. We want recalls to work effectively, regulators to have the right tools, and consumers to have confidence that safety problems will be dealt with quickly.”
