Contents
Schedule 1—The Schedule version of Part IV 1
Part 1—Schedule version of Part IV 1
Division 1—Cartel conduct 1
Subdivision A—Introduction 1
44ZZRA Simplified outline................................................................................ 1
44ZZRB Definitions.......................................................................................... 1
44ZZRC Extended meaning of party................................................................. 3
44ZZRD Cartel provisions................................................................................. 3
44ZZRE Meaning of expressions in other provisions of this Act...................... 8
Subdivision B—Offences etc. 8
44ZZRF Making a contract etc. containing a cartel provision............................ 8
44ZZRG Giving effect to a cartel provision....................................................... 9
44ZZRH Determining guilt.............................................................................. 10
44ZZRI. Court may make related civil orders.................................................. 11
Subdivision C—Civil penalty provisions 11
44ZZRJ. Making a contract etc. containing a cartel provision.......................... 11
44ZZRK Giving effect to a cartel provision..................................................... 11
Subdivision D—Exceptions 12
44ZZRL Conduct notified................................................................................ 12
44ZZRMCartel provision subject to grant of authorisation.............................. 12
44ZZRN Contracts, arrangements or understandings between related bodies corporate 12
44ZZRO Joint ventures—prosecution.............................................................. 13
44ZZRP Joint ventures—civil penalty proceedings......................................... 16
44ZZRQ Covenants affecting competition....................................................... 18
44ZZRR Resale price maintenance................................................................... 18
44ZZRS Exclusive dealing.............................................................................. 18
44ZZRT Dual listed company arrangement..................................................... 19
44ZZRU Acquisition of shares or assets.......................................................... 20
44ZZRV Collective acquisition of goods or services by the parties to a contract, arrangement or understanding 20
Division 2—Other provisions 21
45.......... Contracts, arrangements or understandings that restrict dealings or affect competition 21
45B....... Covenants affecting competition....................................................... 24
45C....... Covenants in relation to prices.......................................................... 27
45D....... Secondary boycotts for the purpose of causing substantial loss or damage 29
45DA.... Secondary boycotts for the purpose of causing substantial lessening of competition 30
45DC.... Involvement and liability of employee organisations......................... 31
45DD.... Situations in which boycotts permitted.............................................. 32
45E........ Prohibition of contracts, arrangements or understandings affecting the supply or acquisition of goods or services 35
45EA..... Provisions contravening section 45E not to be given effect.............. 38
45EB..... Sections 45D to 45EA do not affect operation of other provisions of Part 39
46.......... Misuse of market power................................................................... 39
47.......... Exclusive dealing.............................................................................. 42
48.......... Resale price maintenance................................................................... 49
49.......... Dual listed company arrangements that affect competition................ 49
50.......... Prohibition of acquisitions that would result in a substantial lessening of competition 50
51.......... Exceptions......................................................................................... 52
Schedule 2—The Australian Consumer Law 57
Chapter 1—Introduction 69
1............ Application of this Schedule............................................................. 69
2............ Definitions........................................................................................ 69
3............ Meaning of consumer....................................................................... 82
4............ Misleading representations with respect to future matters................. 85
5............ When donations are treated as supplies or acquisitions..................... 86
6............ Related bodies corporate................................................................... 87
7............ Meaning of manufacturer................................................................. 87
8............ Goods affixed to land or premises.................................................... 88
9............ Meaning of safety defect in relation to goods.................................... 88
10.......... Asserting a right to payment............................................................. 89
11.......... References to acquisition, supply and re‑supply............................... 90
12.......... Application of Schedule in relation to leases and licences of land and buildings 91
13.......... Loss or damage to include injury...................................................... 91
14.......... Meaning of continuing credit contract.............................................. 91
15.......... Contraventions of this Schedule........................................................ 92
16.......... Severability....................................................................................... 92
17.......... References to provisions in this Schedule......................................... 93
Chapter 2—General protections 94
Part 2‑1—Misleading or deceptive conduct 94
18.......... Misleading or deceptive conduct....................................................... 94
19.......... Application of this Part to information providers.............................. 94
Part 2‑2—Unconscionable conduct 96
20.......... Unconscionable conduct within the meaning of the unwritten law.... 96
21.......... Unconscionable conduct................................................................... 96
22.......... Unconscionable conduct in business transactions............................. 97
Part 2‑3—Unfair contract terms 102
23.......... Unfair terms of consumer contracts................................................ 102
24.......... Meaning of unfair........................................................................... 102
25.......... Examples of unfair terms................................................................ 103
26.......... Terms that define main subject matter of consumer contracts etc. are unaffected 104
27.......... Standard form contracts.................................................................. 104
28.......... Contracts to which this Part does not apply.................................... 105
Chapter 3—Specific protections 106
Part 3‑1—Unfair practices 106
Division 1—False or misleading representations etc. 106
29.......... False or misleading representations about goods or services.......... 106
30.......... False or misleading representations about sale etc. of land.............. 107
31.......... Misleading conduct relating to employment.................................... 108
32.......... Offering rebates, gifts, prizes etc..................................................... 108
33.......... Misleading conduct as to the nature etc. of goods........................... 110
34.......... Misleading conduct as to the nature etc. of services........................ 110
35.......... Bait advertising............................................................................... 110
36.......... Wrongly accepting payment............................................................ 111
37.......... Misleading representations about certain business activities........... 112
38.......... Application of provisions of this Division to information providers 113
Division 2—Unsolicited supplies 115
39.......... Unsolicited cards etc....................................................................... 115
40.......... Assertion of right to payment for unsolicited goods or services..... 116
41.......... Liability etc. of recipient for unsolicited goods................................ 117
42.......... Liability of recipient for unsolicited services................................... 118
43.......... Assertion of right to payment for unauthorised entries or advertisements 118
Division 3—Pyramid schemes 121
44.......... Participation in pyramid schemes.................................................... 121
45.......... Meaning of pyramid scheme........................................................... 121
46.......... Marketing schemes as pyramid schemes......................................... 122
Division 4—Pricing 124
47.......... Multiple pricing............................................................................... 124
48.......... Single price to be specified in certain circumstances....................... 125
Division 5—Other unfair practices 128
49.......... Referral selling................................................................................ 128
50.......... Harassment and coercion................................................................ 128
Part 3‑2—Consumer transactions 129
Division 1—Consumer guarantees 129
Subdivision A—Guarantees relating to the supply of goods 129
51.......... Guarantee as to title......................................................................... 129
52.......... Guarantee as to undisturbed possession.......................................... 129
53.......... Guarantee as to undisclosed securities etc....................................... 130
54.......... Guarantee as to acceptable quality................................................... 131
55.......... Guarantee as to fitness for any disclosed purpose etc..................... 132
56.......... Guarantee relating to the supply of goods by description................ 133
57.......... Guarantees relating to the supply of goods by sample or demonstration model 133
58.......... Guarantee as to repairs and spare parts........................................... 134
59.......... Guarantee as to express warranties................................................. 134
Subdivision B—Guarantees relating to the supply of services 135
60.......... Guarantee as to due care and skill................................................... 135
61.......... Guarantees as to fitness for a particular purpose etc........................ 135
62.......... Guarantee as to reasonable time for supply..................................... 136
63.......... Services to which this Subdivision does not apply......................... 136
Subdivision C—Guarantees not to be excluded etc. by contract 136
64.......... Guarantees not to be excluded etc. by contract................................ 136
64A....... Limitation of liability for failures to comply with guarantees.......... 137
Subdivision D—Miscellaneous 138
65.......... Application of this Division to supplies of gas, electricity and telecommunications 138
66.......... Display notices................................................................................ 138
67.......... Conflict of laws............................................................................... 139
68.......... Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods......... 140
Division 2—Unsolicited consumer agreements 141
Subdivision A—Introduction 141
69.......... Meaning of unsolicited consumer agreement................................. 141
70.......... Presumption that agreements are unsolicited consumer agreements 142
71.......... Meaning of dealer........................................................................... 142
72.......... Meaning of negotiation................................................................... 143
Subdivision B—Negotiating unsolicited consumer agreements 143
73.......... Permitted hours for negotiating an unsolicited consumer agreement 143
74.......... Disclosing purpose and identity...................................................... 143
75.......... Ceasing to negotiate on request....................................................... 144
76.......... Informing person of termination period etc..................................... 145
77.......... Liability of suppliers for contraventions by dealers......................... 145
Subdivision C—Requirements for unsolicited consumer agreements etc. 145
78.......... Requirement to give document to the consumer.............................. 145
79.......... Requirements for all unsolicited consumer agreements etc.............. 146
80.......... Additional requirements for unsolicited consumer agreements not negotiated by telephone 147
81.......... Requirements for amendments of unsolicited consumer agreements 148
Subdivision D—Terminating unsolicited consumer agreements 148
82.......... Terminating an unsolicited consumer agreement during the termination period 148
83.......... Effect of termination........................................................................ 150
84.......... Obligations of suppliers on termination.......................................... 150
85.......... Obligations and rights of consumers on termination....................... 151
86.......... Prohibition on supplies etc. for 10 business days........................... 152
87.......... Repayment of payments received after termination......................... 153
88.......... Prohibition on recovering amounts after termination....................... 153
Subdivision E—Miscellaneous 154
89.......... Certain provisions of unsolicited consumer agreements void.......... 154
90.......... Waiver of rights.............................................................................. 155
91.......... Application of this Division to persons to whom rights of consumers and suppliers are assigned etc. 155
92.......... Application of this Division to supplies to third parties.................. 155
93.......... Effect of contravening this Division................................................ 155
94.......... Regulations may limit the application of this Division.................... 156
95.......... Application of this Division to certain conduct covered by the Corporations Act 156
Division 3—Lay‑by agreements 157
96.......... Lay‑by agreements must be in writing etc....................................... 157
97.......... Termination of lay‑by agreements by consumers............................ 157
98.......... Termination of lay‑by agreements by suppliers............................... 158
99.......... Effect of termination........................................................................ 158
Division 4—Miscellaneous 159
100........ Supplier must provide proof of transaction etc................................ 159
101........ Consumer may request an itemised bill........................................... 160
102........ Prescribed requirements for warranties against defects................... 161
103........ Repairers must comply with prescribed requirements..................... 161
Part 3‑3—Safety of consumer goods and product related services 162
Division 1—Safety standards 162
104........ Making safety standards for consumer goods and product related services 162
105........ Declaring safety standards for consumer goods and product related services 163
106........ Supplying etc. consumer goods that do not comply with safety standards 163
107........ Supplying etc. product related services that do not comply with safety standards 165
108........ Requirement to nominate a safety standard..................................... 165
Division 2—Bans on consumer goods and product related services 167
Subdivision A—Interim bans 167
109........ Interim bans on consumer goods or product related services that will or may cause injury to any person etc. 167
110........ Places in which interim bans apply................................................. 168
111........ Ban period for interim bans............................................................. 168
112........ Interaction of multiple interim bans................................................. 169
113........ Revocation of interim bans.............................................................. 170
Subdivision B—Permanent bans 170
114........ Permanent bans on consumer goods or product related services..... 170
115........ Places in which permanent bans apply............................................ 171
116........ When permanent bans come into force............................................ 171
117........ Revocation of permanent bans........................................................ 171
Subdivision C—Compliance with interim bans and permanent bans 171
118........ Supplying etc. consumer goods covered by a ban........................... 171
119........ Supplying etc. product related services covered by a ban................ 172
Subdivision D—Temporary exemption from mutual recognition principles 173
120........ Temporary exemption under the Trans‑Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997 173
121........ Temporary exemption under the Mutual Recognition Act 1992....... 174
Division 3—Recall of consumer goods 175
Subdivision A—Compulsory recall of consumer goods 175
122........ Compulsory recall of consumer goods............................................ 175
123........ Contents of a recall notice............................................................... 175
124........ Obligations of a supplier in relation to a recall notice...................... 177
125........ Notification by persons who supply consumer goods outside Australia if there is compulsory recall 177
126........ Interaction of multiple recall notices................................................ 178
127........ Compliance with recall notices........................................................ 178
Subdivision B—Voluntary recall of consumer goods 179
128........ Notification requirements for a voluntary recall of consumer goods 179
Division 4—Safety warning notices 182
129........ Safety warning notices about consumer goods and product related services 182
130........ Announcement of the results of an investigation etc....................... 182
Division 5—Consumer goods, or product related services, associated with death or serious injury or illness 184
131........ Suppliers to report consumer goods associated with the death or serious injury or illness of any person 184
132........ Suppliers to report product related services associated with the death or serious injury or illness of any person 185
132A..... Confidentiality of notices given under this Division....................... 187
Division 6—Miscellaneous 189
133........ Liability under a contract of insurance............................................. 189
Part 3‑4—Information standards 190
134........ Making information standards for goods and services.................... 190
135........ Declaring information standards for goods and services................. 190
136........ Supplying etc. goods that do not comply with information standards 191
137........ Supplying etc. services that do not comply with information standards 192
Part 3‑5—Liability of manufacturers for goods with safety defects 194
Division 1—Actions against manufacturers for goods with safety defects 194
138........ Liability for loss or damage suffered by an injured individual........ 194
139........ Liability for loss or damage suffered by a person other than an injured individual 194
140........ Liability for loss or damage suffered by a person if other goods are destroyed or damaged 195
141........ Liability for loss or damage suffered by a person if land, buildings or fixtures are destroyed or damaged 195
142........ Defences to defective goods actions................................................ 196
Division 2—Defective goods actions 197
143........ Time for commencing defective goods actions................................ 197
144........ Liability joint and several................................................................ 197
145........ Survival of actions.......................................................................... 197
146........ No defective goods action where workers’ compensation law etc. applies 197
147........ Unidentified manufacturer............................................................... 197
148........ Commonwealth liability for goods that are defective only because of compliance with Commonwealth mandatory standard........................................................................................... 198
149........ Representative actions by the regulator........................................... 199
Division 3—Miscellaneous 200
150........ Application of all or any provisions of this Part etc. not to be excluded or modified 200
Chapter 4—Offences 201
Part 4‑1—Offences relating to unfair practices 201
Division 1—False or misleading representations etc. 201
151........ False or misleading representations about goods or services.......... 201
152........ False or misleading representations about sale etc. of land.............. 202
153........ Misleading conduct relating to employment.................................... 203
154........ Offering rebates, gifts, prizes etc..................................................... 204
155........ Misleading conduct as to the nature etc. of goods........................... 205
156........ Misleading conduct as to the nature etc. of services........................ 205
157........ Bait advertising............................................................................... 206
158........ Wrongly accepting payment............................................................ 207
159........ Misleading representations about certain business activities........... 209
160........ Application of provisions of this Division to information providers 210
Division 2—Unsolicited supplies 212
161........ Unsolicited cards etc....................................................................... 212
162........ Assertion of right to payment for unsolicited goods or services..... 213
163........ Assertion of right to payment for unauthorised entries or advertisements 214
Division 3—Pyramid schemes 216
164........ Participation in pyramid schemes.................................................... 216
Division 4—Pricing 217
165........ Multiple pricing............................................................................... 217
166........ Single price to be specified in certain circumstances....................... 217
Division 5—Other unfair practices 219
167........ Referral selling................................................................................ 219
168........ Harassment and coercion................................................................ 219
Part 4‑2—Offences relating to consumer transactions 221
Division 1—Consumer guarantees 221
169........ Display notices................................................................................ 221
Division 2—Unsolicited consumer agreements 222
Subdivision A—Negotiating unsolicited consumer agreements 222
170........ Permitted hours for negotiating an unsolicited consumer agreement 222
171........ Disclosing purpose and identity...................................................... 222
172........ Ceasing to negotiate on request....................................................... 223
173........ Informing person of termination period etc..................................... 224
Subdivision B—Requirements for unsolicited consumer agreements etc. 225
174........ Requirement to give document to the consumer.............................. 225
175........ Requirements for all unsolicited consumer agreements etc.............. 226
176........ Additional requirements for unsolicited consumer agreements not negotiated by telephone 227
177........ Requirements for amendments of unsolicited consumer agreements 228
Subdivision C—Terminating unsolicited consumer agreements 228
178........ Obligations of suppliers on termination.......................................... 228
179........ Prohibition on supplies for 10 business days.................................. 228
180........ Repayment of payments received after termination......................... 229
181........ Prohibition on recovering amounts after termination....................... 229
Subdivision D—Miscellaneous 230
182........ Certain provisions of unsolicited consumer agreements void.......... 230
183........ Waiver of rights.............................................................................. 231
184........ Application of this Division to persons to whom rights of consumers and suppliers are assigned etc. 231
185........ Application of this Division to supplies to third parties.................. 232
186........ Regulations may limit the application of this Division.................... 232
187........ Application of this Division to certain conduct covered by the Corporations Act 232
Division 3—Lay‑by agreements 233
188........ Lay‑by agreements must be in writing etc....................................... 233
189........ Termination charges........................................................................ 233
190........ Termination of lay‑by agreements by suppliers............................... 234
191........ Refund of amounts.......................................................................... 234
Division 4—Miscellaneous 235
192........ Prescribed requirements for warranties against defects................... 235
193........ Repairers must comply with prescribed requirements..................... 235
Part 4‑3—Offences relating to safety of consumer goods and product related services 236
Division 1—Safety standards 236
194........ Supplying etc. consumer goods that do not comply with safety standards 236
195........ Supplying etc. product related services that do not comply with safety standards 237
196........ Requirement to nominate a safety standard..................................... 238
Division 2—Bans on consumer goods and product related services 239
197........ Supplying etc. consumer goods covered by a ban........................... 239
198........ Supplying etc. product related services covered by a ban................ 240
Division 3—Recall of consumer goods 241
199........ Compliance with recall orders......................................................... 241
200........ Notification by persons who supply consumer goods outside Australia if there is compulsory recall 241
201........ Notification requirements for a voluntary recall of consumer goods 242
Division 4—Consumer goods, or product related services, associated with death or serious injury or illness 243
202........ Suppliers to report consumer goods etc. associated with the death or serious injury or illness of any person 243
Part 4‑4—Offences relating to information standards 244
203........ Supplying etc. goods that do not comply with information standards 244
204........ Supplying etc. services that do not comply with information standards 245
Part 4‑5—Offences relating to substantiation notices 247
205........ Compliance with substantiation notices........................................... 247
206........ False or misleading information etc................................................. 247
Part 4‑6—Defences 249
207........ Reasonable mistake of fact.............................................................. 249
208........ Act or default of another person etc................................................ 249
209........ Publication of advertisements in the ordinary course of business... 250
210........ Supplying goods acquired for the purpose of re‑supply................. 250
211........ Supplying services acquired for the purpose of re‑supply.............. 251
Part 4‑7—Miscellaneous 253
212........ Prosecutions to be commenced within 3 years................................ 253
213........ Preference must be given to compensation for victims.................... 253
214........ Penalties for contraventions of the same nature etc......................... 253
215........ Penalties for previous contraventions of the same nature etc........... 254
216........ Granting of injunctions etc.............................................................. 255
217........ Criminal proceedings not to be brought for contraventions of Chapter 2 or 3 255
Chapter 5—Enforcement and remedies 256
Part 5‑1—Enforcement 256
Division 1—Undertakings 256
218........ Regulator may accept undertakings................................................. 256
Division 2—Substantiation notices 257
219........ Regulator may require claims to be substantiated etc....................... 257
220........ Extending periods for complying with substantiation notices......... 258
221........ Compliance with substantiation notices........................................... 258
222........ False or misleading information etc................................................. 259
Division 3—Public warning notices 260
223........ Regulator may issue a public warning notice.................................. 260
Part 5‑2—Remedies 261
Division 1—Pecuniary penalties 261
224........ Pecuniary penalties.......................................................................... 261
225........ Pecuniary penalties and offences..................................................... 265
226........ Defence........................................................................................... 266
227........ Preference must be given to compensation for victims.................... 266
228........ Civil action for recovery of pecuniary penalties.............................. 266
229........ Indemnification of officers.............................................................. 267
230........ Certain indemnities not authorised and certain documents void...... 267
Division 2—Injunctions 268
232........ Injunctions...................................................................................... 268
233........ Consent injunctions......................................................................... 269
234........ Interim injunctions.......................................................................... 269
235........ Variation and discharge of injunctions............................................ 270
Division 3—Damages 271
236........ Actions for damages....................................................................... 271
Division 4—Compensation orders etc. for injured persons and orders for non‑party consumers 272
Subdivision A—Compensation orders etc. for injured persons 272
237........ Compensation orders etc. on application by an injured person or the regulator 272
238........ Compensation orders etc. arising out of other proceedings............. 273
Subdivision B—Orders for non‑party consumers 273
239........ Orders to redress etc. loss or damage suffered by non‑party consumers 273
240........ Determining whether to make a redress order etc. for non‑party consumers 274
241........ When a non‑party consumer is bound by a redress order etc.......... 275
Subdivision C—Miscellaneous 275
242........ Applications for orders................................................................... 275
243........ Kinds of orders that may be made................................................... 276
244........ Power of a court to make orders..................................................... 277
245........ Interaction with other provisions..................................................... 277
Division 5—Other remedies 278
246........ Non‑punitive orders........................................................................ 278
247........ Adverse publicity orders................................................................. 279
248........ Order disqualifying a person from managing corporations............. 279
249........ Privilege against exposure to penalty or forfeiture—disqualification from managing corporations 281
250........ Declarations relating to consumer contracts.................................... 281
Division 6—Defences 282
251........ Publication of advertisement in the ordinary course of business..... 282
252........ Supplying consumer goods for the purpose of re‑supply............... 282
253........ Supplying product related services for the purpose of re‑supply.... 283
Part 5‑3—Country of origin representations 285
254........ Overview........................................................................................ 285
255........ Country of origin representations do not contravene certain provisions 285
256........ Cost of producing or manufacturing goods..................................... 288
257........ Rules for determining the percentage of costs of production or manufacture attributable to a country 289
258........ Proceedings relating to false, misleading or deceptive conduct or representations 290
Part 5‑4—Remedies relating to guarantees 291
Division 1—Action against suppliers 291
Subdivision A—Action against suppliers of goods 291
259........ Action against suppliers of goods................................................... 291
260........ When a failure to comply with a guarantee is a major failure.......... 292
261........ How suppliers may remedy a failure to comply with a guarantee... 293
262........ When consumers are not entitled to reject goods............................. 293
263........ Consequences of rejecting goods.................................................... 294
264........ Replaced goods............................................................................... 295
265........ Termination of contracts for the supply of services that are connected with rejected goods 295
266........ Rights of gift recipients................................................................... 296
Subdivision B—Action against suppliers of services 296
267........ Action against suppliers of services................................................ 296
268........ When a failure to comply with a guarantee is a major failure.......... 297
269........ Termination of contracts for the supply of services......................... 298
270........ Termination of contracts for the supply of goods that are connected with terminated services 298
Division 2—Action for damages against manufacturers of goods 300
271........ Action for damages against manufacturers of goods....................... 300
272........ Damages that may be recovered by action against manufacturers of goods 301
273........ Time limit for actions against manufacturers of goods.................... 302
Division 3—Miscellaneous 303
274........ Indemnification of suppliers by manufacturers............................... 303
275........ Limitation of liability etc.................................................................. 304
276........ This Part not to be excluded etc. by contract................................... 304
276A..... Limitation in certain circumstances of liability of manufacturer to seller.. 305
277........ Representative actions by the regulator........................................... 305
Part 5‑5—Liability of suppliers and credit providers 306
Division 1—Linked credit contracts 306
278........ Liability of suppliers and linked credit providers relating to linked credit contracts 306
279........ Action by consumer to recover amount of loss or damage.............. 307
280........ Cases where a linked credit provider is not liable............................ 307
281........ Amount of liability of linked credit providers................................. 309
282........ Counter‑claims and offsets.............................................................. 309
283........ Enforcement of judgments etc......................................................... 310
284........ Award of interest to consumers...................................................... 311
285........ Liability of suppliers to linked credit providers, and of linked credit providers to suppliers 312
286........ Joint liability proceedings and recovery under section 135 of the National Credit Code 313
Division 2—Non‑linked credit contracts 314
287........ Liability of suppliers and credit providers relating to non‑linked credit contracts 314
Notes 317
Schedule 1—The Schedule version of Part IV
Part 1—Schedule version of Part IV
Note: See section 150A.
Division 1—Cartel conduct
Subdivision A—Introduction
44ZZRA Simplified outline
The following is a simplified outline of this Division:
• This Division sets out parallel offences and civil penalty provisions relating to cartel conduct.
• A person must not make, or give effect to, a contract, arrangement or understanding that contains a cartel provision.
• A cartel provision is a provision relating to:
(a) price‑fixing; or
(b) restricting outputs in the production and supply chain; or
(c) allocating customers, suppliers or territories; or
(d) bid‑rigging;
by parties that are, or would otherwise be, in competition with each other.
44ZZRB Definitions
In this Division:
annual turnover, of a body corporate during a 12‑month period, means the sum of the values of all the supplies that the body corporate, and any body corporate related to the body corporate, have made, or are likely to make, during the 12‑month period, other than:
(a) supplies made from any of those bodies corporate to any other of those bodies corporate; or
(b) supplies that are input taxed; or
(c) supplies that are not for consideration (and are not taxable supplies under section 72‑5 of the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999); or
(d) supplies that are not made in connection with an enterprise that the body corporate carries on; or
(e) supplies that are not connected with Australia.
Expressions used in this definition that are also used in the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 have the same meaning as in that Act.
benefit includes any advantage and is not limited to property.
bid includes:
(a) tender; and
(b) the taking, by a potential bidder or tenderer, of a preliminary step in a bidding or tendering process.
evidential burden, in relation to a matter, means the burden of adducing or pointing to evidence that suggests a reasonable possibility that the matter exists or does not exist.
knowledge has the same meaning as in the Criminal Code.
likely, in relation to any of the following:
(a) a supply of goods or services;
(b) an acquisition of goods or services;
(c) the production of goods;
(d) the capacity to supply services;
includes a possibility that is not remote.
obtaining includes:
(a) obtaining for another person; and
(b) inducing a third person to do something that results in another person obtaining.
party has a meaning affected by section 44ZZRC.
production includes manufacture, processing, treatment, assembly, disassembly, renovation, restoration, growing, raising, mining, extraction, harvesting, fishing, capturing and gathering.
44ZZRC Extended meaning of party
For the purposes of this Division, if a body corporate is a party to a contract, arrangement or understanding (otherwise than because of this section), each body corporate related to that body corporate is taken to be a party to that contract, arrangement or understanding.
44ZZRD Cartel provisions
(1) For the purposes of this Act, a provision of a contract, arrangement or understanding is a cartel provision if:
(a) either of the following conditions is satisfied in relation to the provision:
(i) the purpose/effect condition set out in subsection (2);
(ii) the purpose condition set out in subsection (3); and
(b) the competition condition set out in subsection (4) is satisfied in relation to the provision.
Purpose/effect condition
(2) The purpose/effect condition is satisfied if the provision has the purpose, or has or is likely to have the effect, of directly or indirectly:
(a) fixing, controlling or maintaining; or
(b) providing for the fixing, controlling or maintaining of;
the price for, or a discount, allowance, rebate or credit in relation to:
(c) goods or services supplied, or likely to be supplied, by any or all of the parties to the contract, arrangement or understanding; or
(d) goods or services acquired, or likely to be acquired, by any or all of the parties to the contract, arrangement or understanding; or
(e) goods or services re‑supplied, or likely to be re‑supplied, by persons or classes of persons to whom those goods or services were supplied by any or all of the parties to the contract, arrangement or understanding; or
(f) goods or services likely to be re‑supplied by persons or classes of persons to whom those goods or services are likely to be supplied by any or all of the parties to the contract, arrangement or understanding.
Note 1: The purpose/effect condition can be satisfied when a provision is considered with related provisions—see subsection (8).
Note 2: Party has an extended meaning—see section 44ZZRC.
Purpose condition
(3) The purpose condition is satisfied if the provision has the purpose of directly or indirectly:
(a) preventing, restricting or limiting:
(i) the production, or likely production, of goods by any or all of the parties to the contract, arrangement or understanding; or
(ii) the capacity, or likely capacity, of any or all of the parties to the contract, arrangement or understanding to supply services; or
(iii) the supply, or likely supply, of goods or services to persons or classes of persons by any or all of the parties to the contract, arrangement or understanding; or
(b) allocating between any or all of the parties to the contract, arrangement or understanding:
(i) the persons or classes of persons who have acquired, or who are likely to acquire, goods or services from any or all of the parties to the contract, arrangement or understanding; or
(ii) the persons or classes of persons who have supplied, or who are likely to supply, goods or services to any or all of the parties to the contract, arrangement or understanding; or
(iii) the geographical areas in which goods or services are supplied, or likely to be supplied, by any or all of the parties to the contract, arrangement or understanding; or
(iv) the geographical areas in which goods or services are acquired, or likely to be acquired, by any or all of the parties to the contract, arrangement or understanding; or
(c) ensuring that in the event of a request for bids in relation to the supply or acquisition of goods or services:
(i) one or more parties to the contract, arrangement or understanding bid, but one or more other parties do not; or
(ii) 2 or more parties to the contract, arrangement or understanding bid, but at least 2 of them do so on the basis that one of those bids is more likely to be successful than the others; or
(iii) 2 or more parties to the contract, arrangement or understanding bid, but not all of those parties proceed with their bids until the suspension or finalisation of the request for bids process; or
(iv) 2 or more parties to the contract, arrangement or understanding bid and proceed with their bids, but at least 2 of them proceed with their bids on the basis that one of those bids is more likely to be successful than the others; or
(v) 2 or more parties to the contract, arrangement or understanding bid, but a material component of at least one of those bids is worked out in accordance with the contract, arrangement or understanding.
Note 1: For example, subparagraph (3)(a)(iii) will not apply in relation to a roster for the supply of after‑hours medical services if the roster does not prevent, restrict or limit the supply of services.
Note 2: The purpose condition can be satisfied when a provision is considered with related provisions—see subsection (9).
Note 3: Party has an extended meaning—see section 44ZZRC.
Competition condition
(4) The competition condition is satisfied if at least 2 of the parties to the contract, arrangement or understanding:
(a) are or are likely to be; or
(b) but for any contract, arrangement or understanding, would be or would be likely to be;
in competition with each other in relation to:
(c) if paragraph (2)(c) or (3)(b) applies in relation to a supply, or likely supply, of goods or services—the supply of those goods or services; or
(d) if paragraph (2)(d) or (3)(b) applies in relation to an acquisition, or likely acquisition, of goods or services—the acquisition of those goods or services; or
(e) if paragraph (2)(e) or (f) applies in relation to a re‑supply, or likely re‑supply, of goods or services—the supply of those goods or services to that re‑supplier; or
(f) if subparagraph (3)(a)(i) applies in relation to preventing, restricting or limiting the production, or likely production, of goods—the production of those goods; or
(g) if subparagraph (3)(a)(ii) applies in relation to preventing, restricting or limiting the capacity, or likely capacity, to supply services—the supply of those services; or
(h) if subparagraph (3)(a)(iii) applies in relation to preventing, restricting or limiting the supply, or likely supply, of goods or services—the supply of those goods or services; or
(i) if paragraph (3)(c) applies in relation to a supply of goods or services—the supply of those goods or services; or
(j) if paragraph (3)(c) applies in relation to an acquisition of goods or services—the acquisition of those goods or services.
Note: Party has an extended meaning—see section 44ZZRC.
Immaterial whether identities of persons can be ascertained
(5) It is immaterial whether the identities of the persons referred to in paragraph (2)(e) or (f) or subparagraph (3)(a)(iii), (b)(i) or (ii) can be ascertained.
Recommending prices etc.
(6) For the purposes of this Division, a provision of a contract, arrangement or understanding is not taken:
(a) to have the purpose mentioned in subsection (2); or
(b) to have, or be likely to have, the effect mentioned in subsection (2);
by reason only that it recommends, or provides for the recommending of, a price, discount, allowance, rebate or credit.
Immaterial whether particular circumstances or particular conditions
(7) It is immaterial whether:
(a) for the purposes of subsection (2), subparagraph (3)(a)(iii) and paragraphs (3)(b) and (c)—a supply or acquisition happens, or a likely supply or likely acquisition is to happen, in particular circumstances or on particular conditions; and
(b) for the purposes of subparagraph (3)(a)(i)—the production happens, or the likely production is to happen, in particular circumstances or on particular conditions; and
(c) for the purposes of subparagraph (3)(a)(ii)—the capacity exists, or the likely capacity is to exist, in particular circumstances or on particular conditions.
Considering related provisions—purpose/effect condition
(8) For the purposes of this Division, a provision of a contract, arrangement or understanding is taken to have the purpose, or to have or be likely to have the effect, mentioned in subsection (2) if the provision, when considered together with any or all of the following provisions:
(a) the other provisions of the contract, arrangement or understanding;
(b) the provisions of another contract, arrangement or understanding, if the parties to that other contract, arrangement or understanding consist of or include at least one of the parties to the first‑mentioned contract, arrangement or understanding;
has that purpose, or has or is likely to have that effect.
Considering related provisions—purpose condition
(9) For the purposes of this Division, a provision of a contract, arrangement or understanding is taken to have the purpose mentioned in a paragraph of subsection (3) if the provision, when considered together with any or all of the following provisions:
(a) the other provisions of the contract, arrangement or understanding;
(b) the provisions of another contract, arrangement or understanding, if the parties to that other contract, arrangement or understanding consist of or include at least one of the parties to the first‑mentioned contract, arrangement or understanding;
has that purpose.
Purpose/effect of a provision
(10) For the purposes of this Division, a provision of a contract, arrangement or understanding is not to be taken not to have the purpose, or not to have or to be likely to have the effect, mentioned in subsection (2) by reason only of:
(a) the form of the provision; or
(b) the form of the contract, arrangement or understanding; or
(c) any description given to the provision, or to the contract, arrangement or understanding, by the parties.
Purpose of a provision
(11) For the purposes of this Division, a provision of a contract, arrangement or understanding is not to be taken not to have the purpose mentioned in a paragraph of subsection (3) by reason only of:
(a) the form of the provision; or
(b) the form of the contract, arrangement or understanding; or
(c) any description given to the provision, or to the contract, arrangement or understanding, by the parties.
44ZZRE Meaning of expressions in other provisions of this Act
In determining the meaning of an expression used in a provision of this Act (other than this Division, subsection 6(2C), paragraph 76(1A)(aa) or subsection 93AB(1A)), this Division is to be disregarded.
Subdivision B—Offences etc.
44ZZRF Making a contract etc. containing a cartel provision
Offence
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person makes a contract or arrangement, or arrives at an understanding; and
(b) the contract, arrangement or understanding contains a cartel provision.
(2) The fault element for paragraph (1)(b) is knowledge or belief.
Penalty
(3) An offence against subsection (1) committed by a body corporate is punishable on conviction by a fine not exceeding the greater of the following:
(a) $10,000,000;
(b) if the court can determine the total value of the benefits that:
(i) have been obtained by one or more persons; and
(ii) are reasonably attributable to the commission of the offence;
3 times that total value;
(c) if the court cannot determine the total value of those benefits—10% of the body corporate’s annual turnover during the 12‑month period ending at the end of the month in which the body corporate committed, or began committing, the offence.
(4) An offence against subsection (1) committed by a person other than a body corporate is punishable on conviction by a term of imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding 2,000 penalty units, or both.
Indictable offence
(5) An offence against subsection (1) is an indictable offence.
44ZZRG Giving effect to a cartel provision
Offence
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) a contract, arrangement or understanding contains a cartel provision; and
(b) the person gives effect to the cartel provision.
(2) The fault element for paragraph (1)(a) is knowledge or belief.
Penalty
(3) An offence against subsection (1) committed by a body corporate is punishable on conviction by a fine not exceeding the greater of the following:
(a) $10,000,000;
(b) if the court can determine the total value of the benefits that:
(i) have been obtained by one or more persons; and
(ii) are reasonably attributable to the commission of the offence;
3 times that total value;
(c) if the court cannot determine the total value of those benefits—10% of the body corporate’s annual turnover during the 12‑month period ending at the end of the month in which the body corporate committed, or began committing, the offence.
(4) An offence against subsection (1) committed by a person other than a body corporate is punishable on conviction by a term of imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding 2,000 penalty units, or both.
Pre‑commencement contracts etc.
(5) Paragraph (1)(a) applies to contracts or arrangements made, or understandings arrived at, before, at or after the commencement of this section.
Indictable offence
(6) An offence against subsection (1) is an indictable offence.
44ZZRH Determining guilt
(1) A person may be found guilty of an offence against section 44ZZRF or 44ZZRG even if:
(a) each other party to the contract, arrangement or understanding is a person who is not criminally responsible; or
(b) subject to subsection (2), all other parties to the contract, arrangement or understanding have been acquitted of the offence.
Note: Party has an extended meaning—see section 44ZZRC.
(2) A person cannot be found guilty of an offence against section 44ZZRF or 44ZZRG if:
(a) all other parties to the contract, arrangement or understanding have been acquitted of such an offence; and
(b) a finding of guilt would be inconsistent with their acquittal.
44ZZRI Court may make related civil orders
If a prosecution against a person for an offence against section 44ZZRF or 44ZZRG is being, or has been, heard by a court, the court may:
(a) grant an injunction under section 80 against the person in relation to:
(i) the conduct that constitutes, or is alleged to constitute, the offence; or
(ii) other conduct of that kind; or
(b) make an order under section 86C, 86D, 86E or 87 in relation to the offence.
Subdivision C—Civil penalty provisions
44ZZRJ Making a contract etc. containing a cartel provision
A person contravenes this section if:
(a) the person makes a contract or arrangement, or arrives at an understanding; and
(b) the contract, arrangement or understanding contains a cartel provision.
Note: For enforcement, see Part VI.
44ZZRK Giving effect to a cartel provision
(1) A person contravenes this section if:
(a) a contract, arrangement or understanding contains a cartel provision; and
(b) the person gives effect to the cartel provision.
Note: For enforcement, see Part VI.
(2) Paragraph (1)(a) applies to contracts or arrangements made, or understandings arrived at, before, at or after the commencement of this section.
Subdivision D—Exceptions
44ZZRL Conduct notified
(1) Sections 44ZZRF, 44ZZRG, 44ZZRJ and 44ZZRK do not apply to a person in relation to a contract, arrangement or understanding containing a cartel provision, in so far as:
(a) the cartel provision:
(i) has the purpose, or has or is likely to have the effect, mentioned in subsection 44ZZRD(2); or
(ii) has the purpose mentioned in a paragraph of subsection 44ZZRD(3) other than paragraph (c); and
(b) the person has given the Commission a collective bargaining notice under subsection 93AB(1A) setting out particulars of the contract, arrangement or understanding; and
(c) the notice is in force under section 93AD.
(2) A person who wishes to rely on subsection (1) bears an evidential burden in relation to that matter.
44ZZRM Cartel provision subject to grant of authorisation
(1) Sections 44ZZRF and 44ZZRJ do not apply in relation to the making of a contract that contains a cartel provision if:
(a) the contract is subject to a condition that the provision will not come into force unless and until the person is granted an authorisation to give effect to the provision; and
(b) the person applies for the grant of such an authorisation within 14 days after the contract is made.
(2) A person who wishes to rely on subsection (1) bears an evidential burden in relation to that matter.
44ZZRN Contracts, arrangements or understandings between related bodies corporate
(1) Sections 44ZZRF, 44ZZRG, 44ZZRJ and 44ZZRK do not apply in relation to a contract, arrangement or understanding if the only parties to the contract, arrangement or understanding are bodies corporate that are related to each other.
(2) A person who wishes to rely on subsection (1) bears an evidential burden in relation to that matter.
44ZZRO Joint ventures—prosecution
(1) Sections 44ZZRF and 44ZZRG do not apply in relation to a contract containing a cartel provision if:
(a) the cartel provision is for the purposes of a joint venture; and
(b) the joint venture is for the production and/or supply of goods or services; and
(c) in a case where subparagraph 4J(a)(i) applies to the joint venture—the joint venture is carried on jointly by the parties to the contract; and
(d) in a case where subparagraph 4J(a)(ii) applies to the joint venture—the joint venture is carried on by a body corporate formed by the parties to the contract for the purpose of enabling those parties to carry on the activity mentioned in paragraph (b) jointly by means of:
(i) their joint control; or
(ii) their ownership of shares in the capital;
of that body corporate.
Note: For example, if a joint venture formed for the purpose of research and development provides the results of its research and development to participants in the joint venture, it may be a joint venture for the supply of services.
(1A) Section 44ZZRF does not apply in relation to an arrangement or understanding containing a cartel provision if:
(a) the arrangement or understanding is not a contract; and
(b) when the arrangement was made, or the understanding was arrived at, each party to the arrangement or understanding:
(i) intended the arrangement or understanding to be a contract; and
(ii) reasonably believed that the arrangement or understanding was a contract; and
(c) the cartel provision is for the purposes of a joint venture; and
(d) the joint venture is for the production and/or supply of goods or services; and
(e) in a case where subparagraph 4J(a)(i) applies to the joint venture—the joint venture is carried on jointly by the parties to the arrangement or understanding; and
(f) in a case where subparagraph 4J(a)(ii) applies to the joint venture—the joint venture is carried on by a body corporate formed by the parties to the arrangement or understanding for the purpose of enabling those parties to carry on the activity mentioned in paragraph (d) jointly by means of:
(i) their joint control; or
(ii) their ownership of shares in the capital;
of that body corporate.
Note: For example, if a joint venture formed for the purpose of research and development provides the results of its research and development to participants in the joint venture, it may be a joint venture for the supply of services.
(1B) Section 44ZZRG does not apply in relation to giving effect to a cartel provision contained in an arrangement or understanding if:
(a) the arrangement or understanding is not a contract; and
(b) when the arrangement was made, or the understanding was arrived at, each party to the arrangement or understanding:
(i) intended the arrangement or understanding to be a contract; and
(ii) reasonably believed that the arrangement or understanding was a contract; and
(c) when the cartel provision was given effect to, each party to the arrangement or understanding reasonably believed that the arrangement or understanding was a contract; and
(d) the cartel provision is for the purposes of a joint venture; and
(e) the joint venture is for the production and/or supply of goods or services; and
(f) in a case where subparagraph 4J(a)(i) applies to the joint venture—the joint venture is carried on jointly by the parties to the arrangement or understanding; and
(g) in a case where subparagraph 4J(a)(ii) applies to the joint venture—the joint venture is carried on by a body corporate formed by the parties to the arrangement or understanding for the purpose of enabling those parties to carry on the activity mentioned in paragraph (e) jointly by means of:
(i) their joint control; or
(ii) their ownership of shares in the capital;
of that body corporate.
Note: For example, if a joint venture formed for the purpose of research and development provides the results of its research and development to participants in the joint venture, it may be a joint venture for the supply of services.
(2) A person who wishes to rely on subsection (1), (1A) or (1B) bears an evidential burden in relation to that matter.
Notice to prosecutor
(3) A person is not entitled to rely on subsection (1), (1A) or (1B) in a trial for an offence unless, within 28 days after the day on which the person is committed for trial, the person gives the prosecutor:
(a) a written notice setting out:
(i) the facts on which the person proposes to rely for the purpose of discharging the evidential burden borne by the person in relation to the matter in subsection (1), (1A) or (1B), as the case may be; and
(ii) the names and address of any witnesses whom the person proposes to call for the purpose of discharging the evidential burden borne by the person in relation to the matter in subsection (1), (1A) or (1B), as the case may be; and
(b) certified copies of any documents which the person proposes to adduce or point to for the purpose of discharging the evidential burden borne by the person in relation to the matter in subsection (1), (1A) or (1B), as the case may be.
(4) If the trial of a person for an offence is being, or is to be, held in a court, the court may, by order:
(a) exempt the person from compliance with subsection (3); or
(b) extend the time within which the person is required to comply with subsection (3).
(5) For the purposes of paragraph (3)(b), a certified copy of a document is a copy of the document certified to be a true copy by:
(a) a Justice of the Peace; or
(b) a commissioner for taking affidavits.
44ZZRP Joint ventures—civil penalty proceedings
(1) Sections 44ZZRJ and 44ZZRK do not apply in relation to a contract containing a cartel provision if:
(a) the cartel provision is for the purposes of a joint venture; and
(b) the joint venture is for the production and/or supply of goods or services; and
(c) in a case where subparagraph 4J(a)(i) applies to the joint venture—the joint venture is carried on jointly by the parties to the contract; and
(d) in a case where subparagraph 4J(a)(ii) applies to the joint venture—the joint venture is carried on by a body corporate formed by the parties to the contract for the purpose of enabling those parties to carry on the activity mentioned in paragraph (b) jointly by means of:
(i) their joint control; or
(ii) their ownership of shares in the capital;
of that body corporate.
Note: For example, if a joint venture formed for the purpose of research and development provides the results of its research and development to participants in the joint venture, it may be a joint venture for the supply of services.
(1A) Section 44ZZRJ does not apply in relation to an arrangement or understanding containing a cartel provision if:
(a) the arrangement or understanding is not a contract; and
(b) when the arrangement was made, or the understanding was arrived at, each party to the arrangement or understanding:
(i) intended the arrangement or understanding to be a contract; and
(ii) reasonably believed that the arrangement or understanding was a contract; and
(c) the cartel provision is for the purposes of a joint venture; and
(d) the joint venture is for the production and/or supply of goods or services; and
(e) in a case where subparagraph 4J(a)(i) applies to the joint venture—the joint venture is carried on jointly by the parties to the arrangement or understanding; and
(f) in a case where subparagraph 4J(a)(ii) applies to the joint venture—the joint venture is carried on by a body corporate formed by the parties to the arrangement or understanding for the purpose of enabling those parties to carry on the activity mentioned in paragraph (d) jointly by means of:
(i) their joint control; or
(ii) their ownership of shares in the capital;
of that body corporate.
Note: For example, if a joint venture formed for the purpose of research and development provides the results of its research and development to participants in the joint venture, it may be a joint venture for the supply of services.
(1B) Section 44ZZRK does not apply in relation to giving effect to a cartel provision contained in an arrangement or understanding if:
(a) the arrangement or understanding is not a contract; and
(b) when the arrangement was made, or the understanding was arrived at, each party to the arrangement or understanding:
(i) intended the arrangement or understanding to be a contract; and
(ii) reasonably believed that the arrangement or understanding was a contract; and
(c) when the cartel provision was given effect to, each party to the arrangement or understanding reasonably believed that the arrangement or understanding was a contract; and
(d) the cartel provision is for the purposes of a joint venture; and
(e) the joint venture is for the production and/or supply of goods or services; and
(f) in a case where subparagraph 4J(a)(i) applies to the joint venture—the joint venture is carried on jointly by the parties to the arrangement or understanding; and
(g) in a case where subparagraph 4J(a)(ii) applies to the joint venture—the joint venture is carried on by a body corporate formed by the parties to the arrangement or understanding for the purpose of enabling those parties to carry on the activity mentioned in paragraph (e) jointly by means of:
(i) their joint control; or
(ii) their ownership of shares in the capital;
of that body corporate.
Note: For example, if a joint venture formed for the purpose of research and development provides the results of its research and development to participants in the joint venture, it may be a joint venture for the supply of services.
(2) A person who wishes to rely on subsection (1), (1A) or (1B) bears an evidential burden in relation to that matter.
44ZZRQ Covenants affecting competition
(1) Sections 44ZZRF, 44ZZRG, 44ZZRJ and 44ZZRK do not apply in relation to a contract containing a cartel provision, in so far as the cartel provision constitutes a covenant to which section 45B applies or, but for subsection 45B(9), would apply.
(2) A person who wishes to rely on subsection (1) bears an evidential burden in relation to that matter.
44ZZRR Resale price maintenance
(1) Sections 44ZZRF, 44ZZRG, 44ZZRJ and 44ZZRK do not apply in relation to a contract, arrangement or understanding containing a cartel provision, in so far as the cartel provision relates to:
(a) conduct that contravenes section 48; or
(b) conduct that would contravene section 48 but for the operation of subsection 88(8A); or
(c) conduct that would contravene section 48 if this Act defined the acts constituting the practice of resale price maintenance by reference to the maximum price at which goods or services are to be sold or supplied or are to be advertised, displayed or offered for sale or supply.
(2) A person who wishes to rely on subsection (1) bears an evidential burden in relation to that matter.
44ZZRS Exclusive dealing
(1) Sections 44ZZRF and 44ZZRJ do not apply in relation to the making of a contract, arrangement or understanding that contains a cartel provision, in so far as giving effect to the cartel provision would, or would but for the operation of subsection 47(10) or 88(8) or section 93, constitute a contravention of section 47.
(2) Sections 44ZZRG and 44ZZRK do not apply in relation to the giving effect to a cartel provision by way of:
(a) engaging in conduct that contravenes, or would but for the operation of subsection 47(10) or 88(8) or section 93 contravene, section 47; or
(b) doing an act by reason of a breach or threatened breach of a condition referred to in subsection 47(2), (4), (6) or (8), being an act done by a person at a time when:
(i) an authorisation under subsection 88(8) is in force in relation to conduct engaged in by that person on that condition; or
(ii) by reason of subsection 93(7), conduct engaged in by that person on that condition is not to be taken to have the effect of substantially lessening competition within the meaning of section 47; or
(iii) a notice under subsection 93(1) is in force in relation to conduct engaged in by that person on that condition.
(3) A person who wishes to rely on subsection (1) or (2) bears an evidential burden in relation to that matter.
44ZZRT Dual listed company arrangement
(1) Sections 44ZZRF and 44ZZRJ do not apply in relation to the making of a contract, arrangement or understanding that contains a cartel provision, in so far as:
(a) the contract, arrangement or understanding is a dual listed company arrangement; and
(b) the making of the contract, arrangement or understanding would, or would apart from subsection 88(8B), contravene section 49.
(2) Sections 44ZZRG and 44ZZRK do not apply in relation to the giving effect to a cartel provision, in so far as:
(a) the cartel provision is a provision of a dual listed company arrangement; and
(b) the giving effect to the cartel provision would, or would apart from subsection 88(8B), contravene section 49.
(3) A person who wishes to rely on subsection (1) or (2) bears an evidential burden in relation to that matter.
44ZZRU Acquisition of shares or assets
(1) Sections 44ZZRF, 44ZZRG, 44ZZRJ and 44ZZRK do not apply in relation to a contract, arrangement or understanding containing a cartel provision, in so far as the cartel provision provides directly or indirectly for the acquisition of:
(a) any shares in the capital of a body corporate; or
(b) any assets of a person.
(2) A person who wishes to rely on subsection (1) bears an evidential burden in relation to that matter.
44ZZRV Collective acquisition of goods or services by the parties to a contract, arrangement or understanding
(1) Sections 44ZZRF, 44ZZRG, 44ZZRJ and 44ZZRK do not apply in relation to a contract, arrangement or understanding containing a cartel provision, in so far as:
(a) the cartel provision has the purpose, or has or is likely to have the effect, mentioned in subsection 44ZZRD(2); and
(b) either:
(i) the cartel provision relates to the price for goods or services to be collectively acquired, whether directly or indirectly, by the parties to the contract, arrangement or understanding; or
(ii) the cartel provision is for the joint advertising of the price for the re‑supply of goods or services so acquired.
(2) A person who wishes to rely on subsection (1) bears an evidential burden in relation to that matter.
Division 2—Other provisions
45 Contracts, arrangements or understandings that restrict dealings or affect competition
(1) If a provision of a contract made before the commencement of this section:
(a) is an exclusionary provision; or
(b) has the purpose, or has or is likely to have the effect, of substantially lessening competition;
that provision is unenforceable in so far as it confers rights or benefits or imposes duties or obligations on a person.
(2) A person shall not:
(a) make a contract or arrangement, or arrive at an understanding, if:
(i) the proposed contract, arrangement or understanding contains an exclusionary provision; or
(ii) a provision of the proposed contract, arrangement or understanding has the purpose, or would have or be likely to have the effect, of substantially lessening competition; or
(b) give effect to a provision of a contract, arrangement or understanding, whether the contract or arrangement was made, or the understanding was arrived at, before or after the commencement of this section, if that provision:
(i) is an exclusionary provision; or
(ii) has the purpose, or has or is likely to have the effect, of substantially lessening competition.
(3) For the purposes of this section, competition, in relation to a provision of a contract, arrangement or understanding or of a proposed contract, arrangement or understanding, means competition in any market in which a person who is a party to the contract, arrangement or understanding or would be a party to the proposed contract, arrangement or understanding, or any body corporate related to such a person, supplies or acquires, or is likely to supply or acquire, goods or services or would, but for the provision, supply or acquire, or be likely to supply or acquire, goods or services.
(4) For the purposes of the application of this section in relation to a particular person, a provision of a contract, arrangement or understanding or of a proposed contract, arrangement or understanding shall be deemed to have or to be likely to have the effect of substantially lessening competition if that provision and any one or more of the following provisions, namely:
(a) the other provisions of that contract, arrangement or understanding or proposed contract, arrangement or understanding; and
(b) the provisions of any other contract, arrangement or understanding or proposed contract, arrangement or understanding to which the person or a body corporate related to the person is or would be a party;
together have or are likely to have that effect.
(5) This section does not apply to or in relation to:
(a) a provision of a contract where the provision constitutes a covenant to which section 45B applies or, but for subsection 45B(9), would apply;
(b) a provision of a proposed contract where the provision would constitute a covenant to which section 45B would apply or, but for subsection 45B(9), would apply; or
(c) a provision of a contract, arrangement or understanding or of a proposed contract, arrangement or understanding in so far as the provision relates to:
(i) conduct that contravenes section 48; or
(ii) conduct that would contravene section 48 but for the operation of subsection 88(8A); or
(iii) conduct that would contravene section 48 if this Act defined the acts constituting the practice of resale price maintenance by reference to the maximum price at which goods or services are to be sold or supplied or are to be advertised, displayed or offered for sale or supply.
(6) The making of a contract, arrangement or understanding does not constitute a contravention of this section by reason that the contract, arrangement or understanding contains a provision the giving effect to which would, or would but for the operation of subsection 47(10) or 88(8) or section 93, constitute a contravention of section 47 and this section does not apply to or in relation to the giving effect to a provision of a contract, arrangement or understanding by way of:
(a) engaging in conduct that contravenes, or would but for the operation of subsection 47(10) or 88(8) or section 93 contravene, section 47; or
(b) doing an act by reason of a breach or threatened breach of a condition referred to in subsection 47(2), (4), (6) or (8), being an act done by a person at a time when:
(i) an authorization under subsection 88(8) is in force in relation to conduct engaged in by that person on that condition; or
(ii) by reason of subsection 93(7) conduct engaged in by that person on that condition is not to be taken to have the effect of substantially lessening competition within the meaning of section 47; or
(iii) a notice under subsection 93(1) is in force in relation to conduct engaged in by that person on that condition.
(6A) The following conduct:
(a) the making of a dual listed company arrangement;
(b) the giving effect to a provision of a dual listed company arrangement;
does not contravene this section if the conduct would, or would apart from subsection 88(8B), contravene section 49.
(7) This section does not apply to or in relation to a contract, arrangement or understanding in so far as the contract, arrangement or understanding provides, or to or in relation to a proposed contract, arrangement or understanding in so far as the proposed contract, arrangement or understanding would provide, directly or indirectly for the acquisition of any shares in the capital of a body corporate or any assets of a person.
(8) This section does not apply to or in relation to a contract, arrangement or understanding, or a proposed contract, arrangement or understanding, the only parties to which are or would be bodies corporate that are related to each other.
(8A) Subsection (2) does not apply to a person engaging in conduct described in that subsection if:
(a) the person has given the Commission a collective bargaining notice under subsection 93AB(1) describing the conduct; and
(b) the notice is in force under section 93AD.
(9) The making by a person of a contract that contains a provision in relation to which subsection 88(1) applies is not a contravention of subsection (2) of this section if:
(a) the contract is subject to a condition that the provision will not come into force unless and until the person is granted an authorization to give effect to the provision; and
(b) the person applies for the grant of such an authorization within 14 days after the contract is made;
but nothing in this subsection prevents the giving effect by a person to such a provision from constituting a contravention of subsection (2).
45B Covenants affecting competition
(1) A covenant, whether the covenant was given before or after the commencement of this section, is unenforceable in so far as it confers rights or benefits or imposes duties or obligations on a first person or on a person associated with a first person if the covenant has, or is likely to have, the effect of substantially lessening competition in any market in which the first person or any person associated with the first person supplies or acquires, or is likely to supply or acquire, goods or services or would, but for the covenant, supply or acquire, or be likely to supply or acquire, goods or services.
(2) A first person or a person associated with a first person shall not:
(a) require the giving of a covenant, or give a covenant, if the proposed covenant has the purpose, or would have or be likely to have the effect, of substantially lessening competition in any market in which:
(i) the first person, or any person associated with the first person by virtue of paragraph (7)(b), supplies or acquires, is likely to supply or acquire, or would, but for the covenant, supply or acquire, or be likely to supply or acquire, goods or services; or
(ii) any person associated with the first person by virtue of the operation of paragraph (7)(a) supplies or acquires, is likely to supply or acquire, or would, but for the covenant, supply or acquire, or be likely to supply or acquire, goods or services, being a supply or acquisition in relation to which that person is, or would be, under an obligation to act in accordance with directions, instructions or wishes of the first person;
(b) threaten to engage in particular conduct if a person who, but for subsection (1), would be bound by a covenant does not comply with the terms of the covenant; or
(c) engage in particular conduct by reason that a person who, but for subsection (1), would be bound by a covenant has failed to comply, or proposes or threatens to fail to comply, with the terms of the covenant.
(3) Where a person:
(a) issues an invitation to another person to enter into a contract containing a covenant;
(b) makes an offer to another person to enter into a contract containing a covenant; or
(c) makes it known that the person will not enter into a contract of a particular kind unless the contract contains a covenant of a particular kind or in particular terms;
the first‑mentioned person shall, by issuing that invitation, making that offer or making that fact known, be deemed to require the giving of the covenant.
(4) For the purposes of this section, a covenant or proposed covenant shall be deemed to have, or to be likely to have, the effect of substantially lessening competition in a market if the covenant or proposed covenant, as the case may be, would have, or be likely to have, that effect when taken together with the effect or likely effect on competition in that market of any other covenant or proposed covenant to the benefit of which:
(a) a person who is or would be, or but for subsection (1) would be, entitled to the benefit of the first‑mentioned covenant or proposed covenant; or
(b) a person associated with the person referred to in paragraph (a);
is or would be, or but for subsection (1) would be, entitled.
(5) The requiring of the giving of, or the giving of, a covenant does not constitute a contravention of this section by reason that giving effect to the covenant would, or would but for the operation of subsection 88(8) or section 93, constitute a contravention of section 47 and this section does not apply to or in relation to engaging in conduct in relation to a covenant by way of:
(a) conduct that contravenes, or would but for the operation of subsection 88(8) or section 93 contravene, section 47; or
(b) doing an act by reason of a breach or threatened breach of a condition referred to in subsection 47(2), (4), (6) or (8), being an act done by a person at a time when:
(i) an authorization under subsection 88(8) is in force in relation to conduct engaged in by that person on that condition; or
(ii) by reason of subsection 93(7) conduct engaged in by that person on that condition is not to be taken to have the effect of substantially lessening competition within the meaning of section 47; or
(iii) a notice under subsection 93(1) is in force in relation to conduct engaged in by that person on that condition.
(6) This section does not apply to or in relation to a covenant or proposed covenant where the only persons who are or would be respectively bound by, or entitled to the benefit of, the covenant or proposed covenant are persons who are associated with each other or are bodies corporate that are related to each other.
(7) For the purposes of this section, section 45C and subparagraph 87(3)(a)(ii), the first person and another person (the second person) shall be taken to be associated with each other in relation to a covenant or proposed covenant if, and only if:
(a) the first person is a body corporate and the second person is under an obligation (otherwise than in pursuance of the covenant or proposed covenant), whether formal or informal, to act in accordance with directions, instructions or wishes of the first person in relation to the covenant or proposed covenant; or
(b) the second person is a body corporate in relation to which the first person is in the position mentioned in subparagraph 4A(1)(a)(ii).
(8) The requiring by a person of the giving of, or the giving by a person of, a covenant in relation to which subsection 88(5) applies is not a contravention of subsection (2) of this section if:
(a) the covenant is subject to a condition that the covenant will not come into force unless and until the person is granted an authorization to require the giving of, or to give, the covenant; and
(b) the person applies for the grant of such an authorization within 14 days after the covenant is given;
but nothing in this subsection affects the application of paragraph (2)(b) or (c) in relation to the covenant.
(9) This section does not apply to or in relation to a covenant or proposed covenant if:
(a) the sole or principal purpose for which the covenant was or is required to be given was or is to prevent the relevant land from being used otherwise than for residential purposes;
(b) the person who required or requires the covenant to be given was or is a religious, charitable or public benevolent institution or a trustee for such an institution and the covenant was or is required to be given for or in accordance with the purposes or objects of that institution; or
(c) the covenant was or is required to be given in pursuance of a legally enforceable requirement made by, or by a trustee for, a religious, charitable or public benevolent institution, being a requirement made for or in accordance with the purposes or objects of that institution.
45C Covenants in relation to prices
(1) In the application of subsection 45B(1) in relation to a covenant that has, or is likely to have, the effect of fixing, controlling or maintaining, or providing for the fixing, controlling or maintaining of, the price for, or a discount, allowance, rebate or credit in relation to, goods or services supplied or acquired by the persons who are, or but for that subsection would be, bound by or entitled to the benefit of the covenant, or by any of them, or by any persons associated with any of them, in competition with each other, that subsection has effect as if the words “if the covenant has, or is likely to have, the effect of substantially lessening competition in any market in which the first person or any person associated with the first person supplies or acquires, or is likely to supply or acquire, goods or services or would, but for the covenant, supply or acquire, or be likely to supply or acquire, goods or services” were omitted.
(2) In the application of subsection 45B(2) in relation to a proposed covenant that has the purpose, or would have or be likely to have the effect, of fixing, controlling or maintaining, or providing for the fixing, controlling or maintaining of, the price for, or a discount, allowance, rebate or credit in relation to, goods or services supplied or acquired by the persons who would, or would but for subsection 45B(1), be bound by or entitled to the benefit of the proposed covenant, or by any of them, or by any persons associated with any of them, in competition with each other, paragraph 45B(2)(a) has effect as if all the words after the words “require the giving of a covenant, or give a covenant” were omitted.
(3) For the purposes of this Act, a covenant shall not be taken not to have, or not to be likely to have, the effect, or a proposed covenant shall not be taken not to have the purpose, or not to have, or not to be likely to have, the effect, of fixing, controlling or maintaining, or providing for the fixing, controlling or maintaining of, the price for, or a discount, allowance, rebate or credit in relation to, goods or services by reason only of:
(a) the form of the covenant or proposed covenant; or
(b) any description given to the covenant by any of the persons who are, or but for subsection 45B(1) would be, bound by or entitled to the benefit of the covenant or any description given to the proposed covenant by any of the persons who would, or would but for subsection 45B(1), be bound by or entitled to the benefit of the proposed covenant.
(4) For the purposes of the preceding provisions of this section, but without limiting the generality of those provisions:
(a) a covenant shall be deemed to have, or to be likely to have, the effect of fixing, controlling or maintaining, or providing for the fixing, controlling or maintaining of, the price for, or a discount, allowance, rebate or credit in relation to, goods or services supplied as mentioned in subsection (1) if the covenant has, or is likely to have, the effect of fixing, controlling or maintaining, or providing for the fixing, controlling or maintaining of, such a price, discount, allowance, rebate or credit in relation to a re‑supply of the goods or services by persons to whom the goods or services are supplied by the persons who are, or but for subsection 45B(1) would be, bound by or entitled to the benefit of the covenant, or by any of them, or by any persons associated with any of them; and
(b) a proposed covenant shall be deemed to have the purpose, or to have, or to be likely to have, the effect, of fixing, controlling or maintaining, or providing for the fixing, controlling or maintaining of, the price for, or a discount, allowance, rebate or credit in relation to, goods or services supplied as mentioned in subsection (2) if the proposed covenant has the purpose, or would have or be likely to have the effect, as the case may be, of fixing, controlling or maintaining, or providing for the fixing, controlling or maintaining of, such a price, discount, allowance, rebate or credit in relation to a re‑supply of the goods or services by persons to whom the goods or services are supplied by the persons who would, or would but for subsection 45B(1), be bound by or entitled to the benefit of the proposed covenant, or by any of them, or by any persons associated with any of them.
(5) The reference in subsection (1) to the supply or acquisition of goods or services by persons in competition with each other includes a reference to the supply or acquisition of goods or services by persons who, but for a provision of any contract, arrangement or understanding or of any proposed contract, arrangement or understanding, would be, or would be likely to be, in competition with each other in relation to the supply or acquisition of the goods or services.
45D Secondary boycotts for the purpose of causing substantial loss or damage
(1) A person must not, in concert with a second person, engage in conduct:
(a) that hinders or prevents:
(i) a third person supplying goods or services to a fourth person (who is not an employer of the first person or the second person); or
(ii) a third person acquiring goods or services from a fourth person (who is not an employer of the first person or the second person); and
(b) that is engaged in for the purpose, and would have or be likely to have the effect, of causing substantial loss or damage to the business of the fourth person.
Note 1: Conduct that would otherwise contravene this section can be authorised under subsection 88(7).
Note 2: This section also has effect subject to section 45DD, which deals with permitted boycotts.
(2) A person is taken to engage in conduct for a purpose mentioned in subsection (1) if the person engages in the conduct for purposes that include that purpose.
45DA Secondary boycotts for the purpose of causing substantial lessening of competition
(1) A person must not, in concert with a second person, engage in conduct:
(a) that hinders or prevents:
(i) a third person supplying goods or services to a fourth person (who is not an employer of the first person or the second person); or
(ii) a third person acquiring goods or services from a fourth person (who is not an employer of the first person or the second person); and
(b) that is engaged in for the purpose, and would have or be likely to have the effect, of causing a substantial lessening of competition in any market in which the fourth person supplies or acquires goods or services.
Note 1: Conduct that would otherwise contravene this section can be authorised under subsection 88(7).
Note 2: This section also has effect subject to section 45DD, which deals with permitted boycotts.
(2) A person is taken to engage in conduct for a purpose mentioned in subsection (1) if the person engages in the conduct for purposes that include that purpose.
Note: This version of Part IV does not contain an equivalent of section 45DB of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
45DC Involvement and liability of employee organisations
Certain organisations taken to be acting in concert
(1) If 2 or more persons (the participants), each of whom is a member or officer of the same organisation of employees, engage in conduct in concert with one another, whether or not the conduct is also engaged in in concert with another person, then, unless the organisation proves otherwise, the organisation is taken for the purposes of sections 45D and 45DA:
(a) to engage in that conduct in concert with the participants; and
(b) to have engaged in that conduct for the purposes for which the participants engaged in it.
Consequences of organisation contravening subsection 45D(1) or 45DA(1)
(2) The consequences of an organisation of employees engaging, or being taken by subsection (1) to engage, in conduct in concert with any of its members or officers in contravention of subsection 45D(1) or 45DA(1) are as set out in subsections (3), (4) and (5).
Loss or damage taken to have been caused by organisation’s conduct
(3) Any loss or damage suffered by a person as a result of the conduct is taken, for the purposes of this Act, to have been caused by the conduct of the organisation.
Taking proceedings if organisation is a body corporate
(4) If the organisation is a body corporate, no action under section 82 to recover the amount of the loss or damage may be brought against any of the members or officers of the organisation in respect of the conduct.
Taking proceedings if organisation is not a body corporate
(5) If the organisation is not a body corporate:
(a) a proceeding in respect of the conduct may be brought under section 77, 80 or 82 against an officer of the organisation as a representative of the organisation’s members and the proceeding is taken to be a proceeding against all the persons who were members of the organisation at the time when the conduct was engaged in; and
(b) subsection 76(2) does not prevent an order being made in a proceeding mentioned in paragraph (a) that was brought under section 77; and
(c) the maximum pecuniary penalty that may be imposed in a proceeding mentioned in paragraph (a) that was brought under section 77 is the penalty applicable under section 76 in relation to a body corporate; and
(d) except as provided by paragraph (a), a proceeding in respect of the conduct must not be brought under section 77 or 82 against any of the members or officers of the organisation; and
(e) for the purpose of enforcing any judgment or order given or made in a proceeding mentioned in paragraph (a) that was brought under section 77 or 82, process may be issued and executed against the following property or interests as if the organisation were a body corporate and the absolute owner of the property or interests:
(i) any property of the organisation or of any branch or part of the organisation, whether vested in trustees or however otherwise held;
(ii) any property in which the organisation or any branch or part of the organisation has a beneficial interest, whether vested in trustees or however otherwise held;
(iii) any property in which any members of the organisation or of a branch or part of the organisation have a beneficial interest in their capacity as members, whether vested in trustees or however otherwise held; and
(f) if paragraph (e) applies, no process is to be issued or executed against any property of members or officers of the organisation or of a branch or part of the organisation except as provided in that paragraph.
45DD Situations in which boycotts permitted
Dominant purpose of conduct relates to employment
matters—conduct by a person
(1) A person does not contravene, and is not involved in a contravention of, subsection 45D(1) or 45DA(1) by engaging in conduct if the dominant purpose for which the conduct is engaged in is substantially related to the remuneration, conditions of employment, hours of work or working conditions of that person or of another person employed by an employer of that person.
Dominant purpose of conduct relates to employment
matters—conduct by employee organisation and employees
(2) If:
(a) an employee, or 2 or more employees who are employed by the same employer, engage in conduct in concert with another person who is, or with other persons each of whom is:
(i) an organisation of employees; or
(ii) an officer of an organisation of employees; and
(b) the conduct is only engaged in by the persons covered by paragraph (a); and
(c) the dominant purpose for which the conduct is engaged in is substantially related to the remuneration, conditions of employment, hours of work or working conditions of the employee, or any of the employees, covered by paragraph (a);
the persons covered by paragraph (a) do not contravene, and are not involved in a contravention of, subsection 45D(1) or 45DA(1) by engaging in the conduct.
Dominant purpose of conduct relates to environmental protection or consumer protection
(3) A person does not contravene, and is not involved in a contravention of, subsection 45D(1) or 45DA(1) by engaging in conduct if:
(a) the dominant purpose for which the conduct is engaged in is substantially related to environmental protection or consumer protection; and
(b) engaging in the conduct is not industrial action.
Note 1: If an environmental organisation or a consumer organisation is a body corporate:
(a) it is a “person” who may be subject to the prohibitions in subsections 45D(1) and 45DA(1) and who may also be covered by this exemption; and
(b) each of its members is a “person” who may be subject to the prohibitions in subsections 45D(1) and 45DA(1) and who may also be covered by this exemption.
Note 2: If an environmental organisation or a consumer organisation is not a body corporate:
(a) it is not a “person” and is therefore not subject to the prohibitions in subsections 45D(1) and 45DA(1) (consequently, this exemption does not cover the organisation as such); but
(b) each of its members is a “person” who may be subject to the prohibitions in subsections 45D(1) and 45DA(1) and who may also be covered by this exemption.
Meaning of industrial action—basic definition
(4) In subsection (3), industrial action means:
(a) the performance of work in a manner different from that in which it is customarily performed, or the adoption of a practice in relation to work, the result of which is a restriction or limitation on, or a delay in, the performance of the work, where:
(i) the terms and conditions of the work are prescribed, wholly or partly, by a workplace instrument or an order of an industrial body; or
(ii) the work is performed, or the practice is adopted, in connection with an industrial dispute; or
(b) a ban, limitation or restriction on the performance of work, or on acceptance of or offering for work, in accordance with the terms and conditions prescribed by a workplace instrument or by an order of an industrial body; or
(c) a ban, limitation or restriction on the performance of work, or on acceptance of or offering for work, that is adopted in connection with an industrial dispute; or
(d) a failure or refusal by persons to attend for work or a failure or refusal to perform any work at all by persons who attend for work.
For this purpose, industrial body and workplace instrument have the same meanings as in the Fair Work Act 2009.
Meaning of industrial action—further clarification
(5) For the purposes of subsection (3):
(a) conduct is capable of constituting industrial action even if the conduct relates to part only of the duties that persons are required to perform in the course of their employment; and
(b) a reference to industrial action includes a reference to a course of conduct consisting of a series of industrial actions.
Subsections (1), (2) and (3) do not protect people not covered by them
(6) In applying subsection 45D(1) or 45DA(1) to a person who is not covered by subsection (1), (2) or (3) in respect of certain conduct, disregard the fact that other persons may be covered by one of those subsections in respect of the same conduct.
Note: Section 415 of the Fair Work Act 2009 limits the right to bring actions under the Competition Code in respect of industrial action that is protected action for the purposes of that section.
45E Prohibition of contracts, arrangements or understandings affecting the supply or acquisition of goods or services
Situations to which section applies
(1) This section applies in the following situations:
(a) a supply situation—in this situation, a person (the first person) has been accustomed, or is under an obligation, to supply goods or services to another person (the second person); or
(b) an acquisition situation—in this situation, a person (the first person) has been accustomed, or is under an obligation, to acquire goods or services from another person (the second person).
Note : For the meanings of accustomed to supply and accustomed to acquire, see subsections (5) and (7).
Prohibition in a supply situation
(2) In a supply situation, the first person must not make a contract or arrangement, or arrive at an understanding, with an organisation of employees, an officer of such an organisation or a person acting for and on behalf of such an officer or organisation, if the proposed contract, arrangement or understanding contains a provision included for the purpose, or for purposes including the purpose, of:
(a) preventing or hindering the first person from supplying or continuing to supply such goods or services to the second person; or
(b) preventing or hindering the first person from supplying or continuing to supply such goods or services to the second person, except subject to a condition:
(i) that is not a condition to which the supply of such goods or services by the first person to the second person has previously been subject because of a provision in a contract between those persons; and
(ii) that is about the persons to whom, the manner in which or the terms on which the second person may supply any goods or services.
Prohibition in an acquisition situation
(3) In an acquisition situation, the first person must not make a contract or arrangement, or arrive at an understanding, with an organisation of employees, an officer of such an organisation or a person acting for and on behalf of such an officer or organisation, if the proposed contract, arrangement or understanding contains a provision included for the purpose, or for purposes including the purpose, of:
(a) preventing or hindering the first person from acquiring or continuing to acquire such goods or services from the second person; or
(b) preventing or hindering the first person from acquiring or continuing to acquire such goods or services from the second person, except subject to a condition:
(i) that is not a condition to which the acquisition of such goods or services by the first person from the second person has previously been subject because of a provision in a contract between those persons; and
(ii) that is about the persons to whom, the manner in which or the terms on which the second person may supply any goods or services.
No contravention if second person gives written consent to written contract etc.
(4) Subsections (2) and (3) do not apply to a contract, arrangement or understanding if it is in writing and was made or arrived at with the written consent of the second person.
Meaning of accustomed to supply
(5) In this section, a reference to a person who has been accustomed to supply goods or services to a second person includes (subject to subsection (6)):
(a) a regular supplier of such goods or services to the second person; or
(b) the latest supplier of such goods or services to the second person; or
(c) a person who, at any time during the immediately preceding 3 months, supplied such goods or services to the second person.
Exception to subsection (5)
(6) If:
(a) goods or services have been supplied by a person to a second person under a contract between them that required the first person to supply such goods or services over a period; and
(b) the period has ended; and
(c) after the end of the period, the second person has been supplied with such goods or services by another person and has not also been supplied with such goods or services by the first person;
then, for the purposes of the application of this section in relation to anything done after the second person has been supplied with goods or services as mentioned in paragraph (c), the first person is not to be taken to be a person who has been accustomed to supply such goods or services to the second person.
Meaning of accustomed to acquire
(7) In this section, a reference to a person who has been accustomed to acquire goods or services from a second person includes (subject to subsection (8)):
(a) a regular acquirer of such goods or services from the second person; or
(b) a person who, when last acquiring such goods or services, acquired them from the second person; or
(c) a person who, at any time during the immediately preceding 3 months, acquired such goods or services from the second person.
Exception to subsection (7)
(8) If:
(a) goods or services have been acquired by a person from a second person under a contract between them that required the first person to acquire such goods or services over a period; and
(b) the period has ended; and
(c) after the end of the period, the second person has refused to supply such goods or services to the first person;
then, for the purposes of the application of this section in relation to anything done after the second person has refused to supply goods or services as mentioned in paragraph (c), the first person is not to be taken to be a person who has been accustomed to acquire such goods or services from the second person.
Note: Conduct that would otherwise contravene this section can be authorised under subsection 88(7A).
45EA Provisions contravening section 45E not to be given effect
A person must not give effect to a provision of a contract, arrangement or understanding if, because of the provision, the making of the contract or arrangement, or the arriving at the understanding, by the person:
(a) contravened subsection 45E(2) or (3); or
(b) would have contravened subsection 45E(2) or (3) if:
(i) section 45E had been in force when the contract or arrangement was made, or the understanding was arrived at; and
(ii) the words “is in writing and” and “written” were not included in subsection 45E(4).
Note: Conduct that would otherwise contravene this section can be authorised under subsection 88(7A).
45EB Sections 45D to 45EA do not affect operation of other provisions of Part
Nothing in section 45D, 45DA, 45DC, 45DD, 45E or 45EA affects the operation of any other provision of this Part.
46 Misuse of market power
(1) A person (the first person) who has a substantial degree of power in a market shall not take advantage of that power in that or any other market for the purpose of:
(a) eliminating or substantially damaging a competitor of the first person or of a body corporate that is related to the first person in that or any other market;
(b) preventing the entry of a person into that or any other market; or
(c) deterring or preventing a person from engaging in competitive conduct in that or any other market.
(1AAA) If a person supplies goods or services for a sustained period at a price that is less than the relevant cost to the person of supplying the goods or services, the person may contravene subsection (1) even if the person cannot, and might not ever be able to, recoup losses incurred by supplying the goods or services.
(1AA) A person that has a substantial share of a market must not supply, or offer to supply, goods or services for a sustained period at a price that is less than the relevant cost to the person of supplying such goods or services, for the purpose of:
(a) eliminating or substantially damaging a competitor of the person or of a body corporate that is related to the person in that or any other market; or
(b) preventing the entry of a person into that or any other market; or
(c) deterring or preventing a person from engaging in competitive conduct in that or any other market.
(1AB) For the purposes of subsection (1AA), without limiting the matters to which the Court may have regard for the purpose of determining whether a person has a substantial share of a market, the Court may have regard to the number and size of the competitors of the person in the market.
(1A) For the purposes of subsections (1) and (1AA):
(a) the reference in paragraphs (1)(a) and (1AA)(a) to a competitor includes a reference to competitors generally, or to a particular class or classes of competitors; and
(b) the reference in paragraphs (1)(b) and (c) and (1AA)(b) and (c) to a person includes a reference to persons generally, or to a particular class or classes of persons.
(2) If:
(a) a body corporate that is related to a person (the first person) has, or 2 or more bodies corporate each of which is related to the one person (the first person) together have, a substantial degree of power in a market; or
(b) a person (the first person) and a body corporate that is, or a person (the first person) and 2 or more bodies corporate each of which is, related to the first person, together have a substantial degree of power in a market;
the first person shall be taken for the purposes of this section to have a substantial degree of power in that market.
(3) In determining for the purposes of this section the degree of power that a person (the first person) or bodies corporate has or have in a market, the court shall have regard to the extent to which the conduct of the first person or of any of those bodies corporate in that market is constrained by the conduct of:
(a) competitors, or potential competitors, of the first person or of any of those bodies corporate in that market; or
(b) persons to whom or from whom the first person or any of those bodies corporate supplies or acquires goods or services in that market.
(3A) In determining for the purposes of this section the degree of power that a person (the first person) or bodies corporate has or have in a market, the court may have regard to the power the first person or bodies corporate has or have in that market that results from:
(a) any contracts, arrangements or understandings, or proposed contracts, arrangements or understandings, that the first person or bodies corporate has or have, or may have, with another party or other parties; and
(b) any covenants, or proposed covenants, that the first person or bodies corporate is or are, or would be, bound by or entitled to the benefit of.
(3B) Subsections (3) and (3A) do not, by implication, limit the matters to which regard may be had in determining, for the purposes of this section, the degree of power that a person or bodies corporate has or have in a market.
(3C) For the purposes of this section, without limiting the matters to which the court may have regard for the purpose of determining whether a person has a substantial degree of power in a market, a person may have a substantial degree of power in a market even though:
(a) the person does not substantially control the market; or
(b) the person does not have absolute freedom from constraint by the conduct of:
(i) competitors, or potential competitors, of the person in that market; or
(ii) persons to whom or from whom the person supplies or acquires goods or services in that market.
(3D) To avoid doubt, for the purposes of this section, more than 1 person may have a substantial degree of power in a market.
(4) In this section:
(a) a reference to power is a reference to market power;
(b) a reference to a market is a reference to a market for goods or services; and
(c) a reference to power in relation to, or to conduct in, a market is a reference to power, or to conduct, in that market either as a supplier or as an acquirer of goods or services in that market.
(4A) Without limiting the matters to which the court may have regard for the purpose of determining whether a person has contravened subsection (1), the court may have regard to:
(a) any conduct of the person that consisted of supplying goods or services for a sustained period at a price that was less than the relevant cost to the person of supplying such goods or services; and
(b) the reasons for that conduct.
(5) Without extending by implication the meaning of subsection (1), a person shall not be taken to contravene that subsection by reason only that the person acquires plant or equipment.
(6) This section does not prevent a person from engaging in conduct that does not constitute a contravention of any of the following sections, namely, sections 45, 45B, 47, 49 and 50, by reason that an authorization or clearance is in force or by reason of the operation of subsection 45(8A) or section 93.
(6A) In determining for the purposes of this section whether, by engaging in conduct, a person has taken advantage of the person’s substantial degree of power in a market, the court may have regard to any or all of the following:
(a) whether the conduct was materially facilitated by the person’s substantial degree of power in the market;
(b) whether the person engaged in the conduct in reliance on the person’s substantial degree of power in the market;
(c) whether it is likely that the person would have engaged in the conduct if the person did not have a substantial degree of power in the market;
(d) whether the conduct is otherwise related to the person’s substantial degree of power in the market.
This subsection does not limit the matters to which the court may have regard.
(7) Without in any way limiting the manner in which the purpose of a person may be established for the purposes of any other provision of this Act, a person may be taken to have taken advantage of the person’s power for a purpose referred to in subsection (1) notwithstanding that, after all the evidence has been considered, the existence of that purpose is ascertainable only by inference from the conduct of the person or of any other person or from other relevant circumstances.
47 Exclusive dealing
(1) Subject to this section, a person shall not, in trade or commerce, engage in the practice of exclusive dealing.
(2) A person (the first person) engages in the practice of exclusive dealing if the first person:
(a) supplies, or offers to supply, goods or services;
(b) supplies, or offers to supply, goods or services at a particular price; or
(c) gives or allows, or offers to give or allow, a discount, allowance, rebate or credit in relation to the supply or proposed supply of goods or services by the first person;
on the condition that the person (the second person) to whom the first person supplies, or offers or proposes to supply, the goods or services or, if the second person is a body corporate, a body corporate related to that body corporate:
(d) will not, or will not except to a limited extent, acquire goods or services, or goods or services of a particular kind or description, directly or indirectly from a competitor of the first person or from a competitor of a body corporate related to the first person;
(e) will not, or will not except to a limited extent, re‑supply goods or services, or goods or services of a particular kind or description, acquired directly or indirectly from a competitor of the first person or from a competitor of a body corporate related to the first person; or
(f) in the case where the first person supplies or would supply goods or services, will not re‑supply the goods or services to any person, or will not, or will not except to a limited extent, re‑supply the goods or services:
(i) to particular persons or classes of persons or to persons other than particular persons or classes of persons; or
(ii) in particular places or classes of places or in places other than particular places or classes of places.
(3) A person (the first person) also engages in the practice of exclusive dealing if the first person refuses:
(a) to supply goods or services to a second person;
(b) to supply goods or services to a second person at a particular price; or
(c) to give or allow a discount, allowance, rebate or credit in relation to the supply or proposed supply of goods or services to a second person;
for the reason that the second person or, if the second person is a body corporate, a body corporate related to that body corporate:
(d) has acquired, or has not agreed not to acquire, goods or services, or goods or services of a particular kind or description, directly or indirectly from a competitor of the first person or from a competitor of a body corporate related to the first person;
(e) has re‑supplied, or has not agreed not to re‑supply, goods or services, or goods or services of a particular kind or description, acquired directly or indirectly from a competitor of the first person or from a competitor of a body corporate related to the first person; or
(f) has re‑supplied, or has not agreed not to re‑supply, goods or services, or goods or services of a particular kind or description, acquired from the first person to any person, or has re‑supplied, or has not agreed not to re‑supply, goods or services, or goods or services of a particular kind or description, acquired from the first person:
(i) to particular persons or classes of persons or to persons other than particular persons or classes of persons; or
(ii) in particular places or classes of places or in places other than particular places or classes of places.
(4) A person (the first person) also engages in the practice of exclusive dealing if the first person:
(a) acquires, or offers to acquire, goods or services; or
(b) acquires, or offers to acquire, goods or services at a particular price;
on the condition that the person (the second person) from whom the first person acquires or offers to acquire the goods or services or, if the second person is a body corporate, a body corporate related to that body corporate will not supply goods or services, or goods or services of a particular kind or description, to any person, or will not, or will not except to a limited extent, supply goods or services, or goods or services of a particular kind or description:
(c) to particular persons or classes of persons or to persons other than particular persons or classes of persons; or
(d) in particular places or classes of places or in places other than particular places or classes of places.
(5) A person (the first person) also engages in the practice of exclusive dealing if the first person refuses:
(a) to acquire goods or services from a second person; or
(b) to acquire goods or services at a particular price from a second person;
for the reason that the second person or, if the second person is a body corporate, a body corporate related to that body corporate has supplied, or has not agreed not to supply, goods or services, or goods or services of a particular kind or description:
(c) to particular persons or classes of persons or to persons other than particular persons or classes of persons; or
(d) in particular places or classes of places or in places other than particular places or classes of places.
(6) A person (the first person) also engages in the practice of exclusive dealing if the first person:
(a) supplies, or offers to supply, goods or services;
(b) supplies, or offers to supply, goods or services at a particular price; or
(c) gives or allows, or offers to give or allow, a discount, allowance, rebate or credit in relation to the supply or proposed supply of goods or services by the first person;
on the condition that the person (the second person) to whom the first person supplies or offers or proposes to supply the goods or services or, if the second person is a body corporate, a body corporate related to that body corporate will acquire goods or services of a particular kind or description directly or ind