The Australian Government has passed a world-first Scam Prevention Bill, shifting responsibility for stopping scams from individuals to companies. South Burnett residents could soon feel the impact — and protection — of these changes.
Australians Lost $2.7 Billion to Scams in 2023
In a move hailed as groundbreaking, the Australian Parliament has passed the Scams Prevention Bill 2025. The legislation will soon become law after Royal Assent and introduces major responsibilities for banks, telcos, and digital platforms to prevent, detect, and respond to scams targeting Australians.
With Australians losing an estimated $2.7 billion to scams in just one year, the urgency is clear — and regional communities like South Burnett are not immune.
“The Albanese Government has legislated the world’s toughest anti-scam laws to make Australia the hardest target for scammers. Australians will be safer online and their money more secure as a result of the new laws.”
— Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones MP and Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland MP
What the New Law Means
The new Scam Prevention Framework (SPF) will initially apply to the banking, telecommunications, and digital platform sectors. These companies must take ‘reasonable steps’ to:
- Prevent scams from reaching consumers
- Detect suspicious activity early
- Disrupt active scams and stop ongoing losses
- Report scam data to regulators
- Provide simple ways for consumers to report scams
Companies that fail to comply could face fines up to $50 million per offence. Importantly, these obligations extend to both Australian and overseas companies operating in the local market.
How It Could Help the South Burnett
From Wondai to Nanango, scams have increasingly targeted South Burnett locals — especially older residents and small business owners. Whether it’s fake Australia Post messages or phishing calls pretending to be banks, residents are vulnerable without strong systemic protections.
This new law flips the script — placing legal responsibility on companies, not just individuals.
Some expected local impacts:
- Local bank branches (e.g. Commonwealth, NAB) improving scam detection and response
- Telcos providing better SMS filtering and call blocking tools
- Online platforms (like Facebook and Google) held accountable for scam ads or messages
Enforcement & Dispute Resolution
Three key national bodies will enforce these new laws:
- ACCC – for digital platforms
- ASIC – for banks
- ACMA – for telecommunications
Consumers and small businesses who suffer losses can also access new dispute resolution options, including formal complaints and even class actions if a company fails its obligations.
“CHOICE is pleased to see this much awaited scams legislation pass into law. Until now, scam victims have frequently been left to carry the burden of scams after big businesses like banks and tech platforms have failed to protect them.”
— Ashley de Silva, CEO of CHOICE
Still More to Come
This legislation is part of a broader plan by the federal government to modernise consumer protection laws, with future reforms expected in areas like privacy, payment systems, and unfair trading.
“The financial crime type, scams, present an unacceptable threat to the Australian community and have had a devastating impact on hundreds of thousands of Australians. This bill is a critical step in the fight against scams…”
— Catriona Lowe, Deputy Chair, ACCC
What Can You Do?
- Report any scam activity to your bank, telco, or the ACCC’s Scamwatch
- Warn friends and family — especially older residents
- Contact your provider to ask how they’re complying with the new law
South Burnett Advocate will continue to monitor the rollout of this law and its local effects.
Scams have cost Australians billions — but a new law puts the onus on companies to do better. South Burnett stands to benefit from this shift in responsibility and protection.
© 2025 South Burnett Advocate (kingaroy.org)