Building savvy shoppers: Crisafulli Government Launches 2026 Buy Smart

• The Crisafulli Government has launched the 2026 Buy Smart competition, with $15,000 in cash prizes on offer for Queensland students and schools.
• Buy Smart, run by the Office of Fair Trading, helps students in Years 4-12 build their financial skills and become responsible consumers.
• Entries are now open and will close on 18 September 2026, with winners to be announced at Parliament House towards the end of the year.     

The Crisafulli Government is helping school students make smart and informed choices when shopping with the launch of the 2026 Buy Smart competition, giving them the chance to build stronger financial skills and better understand consumer rights. 

The competition, run by the Office of Fair Trading, offers $15,000 in prize money for students and schools, and is now open to Queenslanders in Years 4 to 12 to enter. 

Each year, thousands of young students take part in the program, getting creative with projects that explain and address a consumer issue. Teachers and schools can access a range of resources to assist, including new materials aligned to the updated Australian Curriculum. 

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington launched the 2026 Buy Smart competition at Capalaba’s Coolnwynpin State School, which has been heavily involved with the program since 2019. 

“The way we use money has changed dramatically over the years and young people now grow up watching their parents shop online and tap their phones to pay for products, so it’s incredibly important that we teach students how to be informed consumers in a modern world,” the Attorney-General said.  

"Buy Smart gives kids the tools they need to understand how money works, what their rights are when shopping, and how to spot a scam. 

“Last year, thousands of young Queenslanders took part in the program – from Townsville down to the Gold Coast and out west to Boulia – and I’m looking forward to seeing the projects this year’s entrants come up with, as they build their financial and consumer skills.”   

Member for Capalaba Russell Field said the Buy Smart competition was a good way to get students thinking about important consumer issues in an engaging way. 

“Budgeting and saving are important parts of life and you’re never too young to start learning about them,” Mr Field said. 

“It’s great to see the students here at Coolnwynpin State School take part in the Buy Smart program over a number of years, with more than a thousand students involved in 31 presentations from the Office of Fair Trading since 2019. 

“Whether it’s understanding unit pricing at the supermarket or gaining confidence with a big purchase like a new computer, the Buy Smart competition helps teach kids those skills.” 

Coolnwynpin State School Principal Wayne Fletcher said teachers worked hand in hand with parents and community organisations to develop well-rounded students and Buy Smart complemented that philosophy.  

“Through the Buy Smart program, we can equip our students with practical foundations to help them navigate the complexities of things like managing money, understanding advertising, and identifying scams,” Mr Fletcher said. 

“The program provides engaging, age-appropriate lessons to help our kids protect themselves and their families right now, and in the years ahead.” 

The Buy Smart competition is open to all state and private schools in Queensland. Students can enter individually or in groups of up to four. Entries will close on 18 September 2026.