The Commonwealth Government has announced a review of Australian competition laws.
The Government has named a review panel that will be responsible for conducting the first comprehensive review of Australian competition laws in more than 20 years.
The panel members are Professor Ian Harper, an economist and partner at Deloitte Access Economics, Ms Su McClusky CEO of the Regional Australia Institute, barrister Mr Michael O'Bryan SC and MR Peter Anderson who recently stepped down as Chief Executive of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The review will focus on the provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. The provisions of the Australian Consumer Law are not specifically under review, except to the extent they relate to protections for small businesses - for example, in respect of unfair and unconscionable conduct.
The terms of reference for the review have been framed with a view to addressing a number of evolving practices and developments in the Australian market over the past 20 years. For example, the panel has been asked to consider whether competition law can adequately address competition issues in emerging markets and across new technologies. Also, the panel has been asked to consider ways to ensure Australians can access goods and services at internationally competitive prices.
It is proposed that the panel will release an issues paper, a draft report and a final report within 12 months. Consultations with business, consumers and government bodies will take place. The details of such consultations are yet to be released.
For further details, including the full terms of reference please visit: http://competitionpolicyreview.gov.au/
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