The ACCC has released its 2026–27 Compliance and Enforcement Priorities, and while much of the attention has focused on supermarkets, telecommunications and digital platforms, there is a broader message that association leaders should not overlook.

Reading the report as a whole, the ACCC appears to be moving beyond a traditional focus on large corporations and market dominance and placing greater emphasis on fairness, transparency and power imbalances in commercial relationships. For associations, that shift is significant.

Most associations are not dealing with cartel conduct or competition investigations. However, they do enter into contracts, market products and services, communicate with members, manage events and work closely with sponsors and suppliers. These are precisely the areas where expectations around transparency, accountability and fair dealing continue to evolve.

Here are five areas association CEOs should be paying attention to.

1. Unfair Contract Terms

One of the ACCC’s key priorities continues to be unfair contract terms, particularly those involving automatic renewals, cancellation restrictions and termination fees.

For associations, this should prompt a review of membership agreements, event registrations, sponsorship contracts, exhibition agreements and professional development programs. While many of these arrangements have existed for years, the regulatory environment has changed. Terms that appear routine may now warrant a closer look to ensure they remain balanced, transparent and easy to understand.

A useful question to ask is: would a reasonable member, sponsor or supplier consider these terms fair?

2. Environmental and Sustainability Claims

Greenwashing remains firmly on the ACCC’s agenda.

Associations are increasingly promoting sustainability initiatives, carbon-conscious events, ESG programs and environmental commitments. These can be valuable and important activities, but any public claims should be supported by evidence and clearly communicated.

As expectations around sustainability continue to grow, so too does the importance of ensuring that organisational claims are accurate, measurable and credible.

3. Pricing Transparency

Misleading pricing practices continue to attract regulatory attention.

For associations, this may apply to early-bird pricing, member discounts, bundled sponsorship packages, training programs and conference registrations.

Members and customers should be able to clearly understand what they are paying, what savings are being offered and how those savings have been calculated. Transparent pricing not only supports good governance but also strengthens trust and confidence.

4. Small Business Relationships

The ACCC continues to place strong emphasis on protecting small businesses.

This is particularly relevant because many association stakeholders fall into that category. Consultants, trainers, exhibitors, event suppliers and small organisational members often have different resources and bargaining power than larger organisations.

Association leaders should consider whether their policies, contracts and commercial practices support productive, fair and sustainable relationships across their stakeholder community.

5. Governance and Organisational Influence

Perhaps the most important takeaway is that associations are influential institutions within their sectors.

The ACCC has made clear that it prioritises matters that have broad market impact, affect large numbers of people or help clarify expectations across an industry. Associations often play a leadership role by setting standards, shaping behaviour and influencing professional practice.

As a result, compliance should be viewed as a core governance responsibility. Clear contracts, transparent pricing, evidence-based claims and fair dealing practices all contribute to stronger organisations and greater trust among members, partners and stakeholders.

The Bigger Picture

The ACCC’s latest priorities are about more than enforcement. They reflect broader expectations around how organisations engage with their customers, members, suppliers and communities.

For association leaders, the report is a timely reminder that governance, transparency and trust are increasingly interconnected. Organisations that embed these principles into their operations will be better positioned to strengthen member confidence, build stronger partnerships and maintain their credibility in an increasingly scrutinised environment.

For more information, visit www.accc.gov.au