Contents
Part I—Preliminary 1
1............ Short title [see Note 1]........................................................................ 1
2............ Object of this Act................................................................................ 1
2A......... Application of Act to Commonwealth and Commonwealth authorities 1
2B......... Application of Act to States and Territories........................................ 2
2BA...... Application of Part IV to local government bodies............................. 2
2C......... Activities that are not business............................................................ 2
3............ Repeal................................................................................................. 4
4............ Interpretation....................................................................................... 4
4A......... Subsidiary, holding and related bodies corporate.............................. 14
4B......... Consumers........................................................................................ 17
4C......... Acquisition, supply and re‑supply.................................................... 19
4D......... Exclusionary provisions.................................................................... 20
4E.......... Market............................................................................................... 20
4F.......... References to purpose or reason....................................................... 21
4G......... Lessening of competition to include preventing or hindering competition 21
4H......... Application of Act in relation to leases and licences of land and buildings 22
4J.......... Joint ventures.................................................................................... 22
4K......... Loss or damage to include injury...................................................... 23
4KA...... Definitions etc. that do not apply in Part XI or Schedule 2............... 23
4L.......... Severability....................................................................................... 23
4M........ Saving of law relating to restraint of trade and breaches of confidence 23
4N......... Extended application of Part IIIA...................................................... 24
5............ Extended application of this Act to conduct outside Australia........... 24
6............ Extended application of this Act to persons who are not corporations 26
6AA...... Application of the Criminal Code..................................................... 32
Part II—The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission 33
6A......... Establishment of Commission........................................................... 33
7............ Constitution of Commission............................................................. 33
8............ Terms and conditions of appointment............................................... 34
8A......... Associate members........................................................................... 34
8AB...... State/Territory AER members taken to be associate members........... 35
9............ Remuneration.................................................................................... 36
10.......... Deputy Chairpersons........................................................................ 36
11.......... Acting Chairperson........................................................................... 37
12.......... Leave of absence............................................................................... 37
13.......... Termination of appointment of members of the Commission............ 38
14.......... Termination of appointment of associate members of the Commission 38
15.......... Resignation....................................................................................... 38
16.......... Arrangement of business.................................................................. 39
17.......... Disclosure of interests by members.................................................. 39
18.......... Meetings of Commission.................................................................. 40
19.......... Chairperson may direct Commission to sit in Divisions................... 41
25.......... Delegation by Commission............................................................... 42
26.......... Delegation by Commission of certain functions and powers............ 42
27.......... Staff of Commission......................................................................... 43
27A....... Consultants....................................................................................... 43
28.......... Functions of Commission in relation to dissemination of information, law reform and research 43
29.......... Commission to comply with directions of Minister and requirements of the Parliament 44
Part IIA—The National Competition Council 46
29A....... Establishment of Council.................................................................. 46
29B....... Functions and powers of Council..................................................... 46
29BA.... Commonwealth consent to conferral of functions etc. on Council.... 47
29BB..... How duty is imposed........................................................................ 47
29BC..... When a State/Territory energy law imposes a duty........................... 48
29C....... Membership of Council.................................................................... 48
29D....... Terms and conditions of office.......................................................... 49
29E........ Acting Council President.................................................................. 49
29F........ Remuneration of Councillors............................................................ 49
29G....... Leave of absence............................................................................... 50
29H....... Termination of appointment of Councillors....................................... 50
29I......... Resignation of Councillors................................................................ 50
29J........ Arrangement of Council business..................................................... 50
29K....... Disclosure of interests by Councillors.............................................. 51
29L........ Council meetings............................................................................... 51
29LA..... Resolutions without meetings........................................................... 52
29M...... Staff to help Council......................................................................... 53
29N....... Consultants....................................................................................... 53
29O....... Annual report.................................................................................... 53
Part III—The Australian Competition Tribunal 55
29P........ Definition.......................................................................................... 55
30.......... Constitution of Tribunal.................................................................... 55
31.......... Qualifications of members of Tribunal.............................................. 55
31A....... Appointment of Judge as presidential member of Tribunal not to affect tenure etc. 56
32.......... Terms and conditions of appointment............................................... 56
33.......... Remuneration and allowances of members of Tribunal..................... 56
34.......... Acting appointments......................................................................... 56
35.......... Suspension and removal of members of Tribunal............................. 58
36.......... Resignation....................................................................................... 58
37.......... Constitution of Tribunal for particular matters.................................. 59
38.......... Validity of determinations................................................................. 59
39.......... President may give directions............................................................ 59
40.......... Disclosure of interests by members of Tribunal................................ 59
41.......... Presidential member to preside.......................................................... 60
42.......... Decision of questions........................................................................ 60
43.......... Member of Tribunal ceasing to be available...................................... 60
43A....... Counsel assisting Tribunal................................................................ 61
43B....... Consultants....................................................................................... 61
44.......... Staff of Tribunal................................................................................ 61
44A....... Acting appointments......................................................................... 62
Part IIIAA—The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) 63
Division 1—Preliminary 63
44AB.... Definitions........................................................................................ 63
44AC.... This Part binds the Crown................................................................ 63
44AD.... Extra‑territorial operation.................................................................. 63
Division 2—Establishment of the AER 65
44AE..... Establishment of the AER................................................................. 65
44AF..... AER to hold money and property on behalf of the Commonwealth.. 65
44AG.... Constitution of the AER.................................................................... 65
Division 3—Functions and powers of the AER 66
44AH.... Commonwealth functions................................................................. 66
44AI...... Commonwealth consent to conferral of functions etc. on AER......... 66
44AJ..... How duty is imposed........................................................................ 67
44AK.... When a State/Territory energy law etc. imposes a duty..................... 68
44AL..... Powers of the AER........................................................................... 68
Division 4—Administrative provisions relating to the AER 69
Subdivision A—Appointment etc. of members 69
44AM... Appointment of Commonwealth AER member................................ 69
44AN.... Membership of AER and Commission............................................. 69
44AO.... Acting appointment of Commonwealth AER member...................... 70
44AP..... Appointment of State/Territory AER members................................. 70
44AQ.... Acting appointment of State/Territory AER member........................ 70
44AR.... AER Chair........................................................................................ 71
44AS..... Acting AER Chair............................................................................. 71
44AT..... Remuneration of AER members....................................................... 72
44AU.... Additional remuneration of AER Chair............................................. 72
44AV.... Leave of absence............................................................................... 72
44AW... Other terms and conditions............................................................... 73
44AX.... Outside employment......................................................................... 73
44AY.... Disclosure of interests....................................................................... 73
44AZ..... Resignation....................................................................................... 73
44AAB. Termination of appointment.............................................................. 74
Subdivision B—Staff etc. to assist the AER 75
44AAC. Staff etc. to assist the AER................................................................ 75
Subdivision C—Meetings of the AER etc. 75
44AAD. Meetings........................................................................................... 75
44AAE.. Resolutions without meetings........................................................... 75
44AAEA............................................................................................ Arbitration 76
Subdivision D—Miscellaneous 76
44AAF.. Confidentiality................................................................................... 76
44AAG. Federal Court may make certain orders............................................. 78
44AAGA Federal Court may order disconnection if an event specified
in the National Electricity Rules occurs............................................. 79
44AAH. Delegation by the AER..................................................................... 80
44AAI... Fees................................................................................................... 80
44AAJ.. Annual report.................................................................................... 80
44AAK. Regulations may deal with transitional matters.................................. 81
Part IIIA—Access to services 82
Division 1—Preliminary 82
44AA.... Objects of Part.................................................................................. 82
44B....... Definitions........................................................................................ 82
44C....... How this Part applies to partnerships and joint ventures................... 86
44D....... Meaning of designated Minister....................................................... 87
44DA.... The principles in the Competition Principles Agreement have status as guidelines 87
44E........ This Part binds the Crown................................................................ 88
Division 2—Declared services 89
Subdivision A—Recommendation by the Council 89
44F........ Person may request recommendation................................................ 89
44FA..... Council may request information...................................................... 90
44G....... Limits on the Council recommending declaration of a service........... 91
44GA.... Time limit for Council recommendations.......................................... 92
44GB.... Council may invite public submissions on the application................ 94
44GC.... Council must publish its recommendation......................................... 95
Subdivision B—Declaration by the designated Minister 96
44H....... Designated Minister may declare a service........................................ 96
44HA.... Designated Minister must publish his or her decision....................... 98
44I......... Duration and effect of declaration..................................................... 99
44J........ Revocation of declaration................................................................ 100
44K....... Review of declaration...................................................................... 100
44KA.... Tribunal may stay operation of declaration...................................... 102
44KB..... Tribunal may order costs be awarded.............................................. 103
44L........ Review of decision not to revoke a declaration............................... 104
Division 2AA—Services that are ineligible to be declared 106
Subdivision A—Scope of Division 106
44LA..... Constitutional limits on operation of this Division.......................... 106
Subdivision B—Ineligibility recommendation by Council 106
44LB..... Ineligibility recommendation........................................................... 106
44LC..... Council may request information.................................................... 108
44LD..... Time limit for Council recommendations........................................ 108
44LE..... Council may invite public submissions on the application.............. 110
44LF..... Council must publish its recommendation....................................... 111
Subdivision C—Designated Minister’s decision on ineligibility 112
44LG..... Designated Minister’s decision on ineligibility............................... 112
44LH..... Designated Minister must publish his or her decision..................... 114
Subdivision D—Revocation of ineligibility decision 114
44LI...... Revocation of ineligibility decision................................................. 114
Subdivision E—Review of decisions 116
44LJ...... Review of ineligibility decisions..................................................... 116
44LK..... Review of decision to revoke or not revoke an ineligibility decision 118
Subdivision F—Other matters 119
44LL..... Ineligibility decisions subject to alteration, cancellation etc............. 119
Division 2A—Effective access regimes 121
Subdivision A—Recommendation by Council 121
44M...... Recommendation for a Ministerial decision on effectiveness of access regime 121
44MA... Council may request information.................................................... 122
Subdivision B—Decision by Commonwealth Minister 122
44N....... Ministerial decision on effectiveness of access regime.................... 122
Subdivision C—Extensions of Commonwealth Minister’s decision 123
44NA.... Recommendation by Council.......................................................... 123
44NAA. Council may request information.................................................... 124
44NB.... Decision by the Commonwealth Minister....................................... 125
Subdivision D—Procedural provisions 126
44NC.... Time limit for Council recommendations........................................ 126
44NE..... Council may invite public submissions........................................... 128
44NF..... Publication—Council...................................................................... 130
44NG.... Publication—Commonwealth Minister........................................... 130
Subdivision E—Review of decisions 131
44O....... Review of Ministerial decision on effectiveness of access regime.. 131
Subdivision F—State or Territory ceasing to be a party to Competition Principles Agreement 132
44P........ State or Territory ceasing to be a party to Competition Principles Agreement 132
Division 2B—Competitive tender processes for government owned facilities 134
44PA..... Approval of competitive tender process.......................................... 134
44PAA.. Commission may request information............................................. 135
44PB..... Report on conduct of tender process............................................... 136
44PC..... Revocation of approval decision..................................................... 136
44PD..... Time limit for Commission decisions.............................................. 138
44PE..... Commission may invite public submissions................................... 139
44PF..... Commission must publish its decisions.......................................... 141
44PG..... Review of Commission’s initial decision........................................ 141
44PH..... Review of decision to revoke an approval....................................... 143
Division 2C—Register of decisions and declarations 145
44Q....... Register of decisions, declarations and ineligibility decisions......... 145
Division 3—Access to declared services 146
Subdivision A—Scope of Division 146
44R....... Constitutional limits on operation of this Division.......................... 146
Subdivision B—Notification of access disputes 146
44S........ Notification of access disputes........................................................ 146
44T........ Withdrawal of notifications............................................................. 146
Subdivision C—Arbitration of access disputes 147
44U....... Parties to the arbitration................................................................... 147
44V....... Determination by Commission........................................................ 147
44W...... Restrictions on access determinations............................................. 148
44X....... Matters that the Commission must take into account....................... 150
44XA.... Time limit for Commission’s final determination............................ 151
44Y....... Commission may terminate arbitration in certain cases................... 153
44YA.... Commission must terminate arbitration if declaration varied or set aside by Tribunal 153
Subdivision D—Procedure in arbitrations 153
44Z........ Constitution of Commission for conduct of arbitration................... 153
44ZA..... Member of the Commission presiding at an arbitration................... 154
44ZB..... Reconstitution of Commission........................................................ 154
44ZC..... Determination of questions............................................................. 154
44ZD..... Hearing to be in private................................................................... 155
44ZE..... Right to representation.................................................................... 155
44ZF..... Procedure of Commission............................................................... 155
44ZG..... Particular powers of Commission................................................... 156
44ZH..... Power to take evidence on oath or affirmation................................ 157
44ZI...... Failing to attend as a witness........................................................... 157
44ZJ...... Failing to answer questions etc....................................................... 157
44ZK..... Intimidation etc................................................................................ 158
44ZL..... Party may request Commission to treat material as confidential...... 158
44ZM.... Sections 18 and 19 do not apply to the Commission in an arbitration 159
44ZN..... Parties to pay costs of an arbitration................................................ 159
44ZNA.. Joint arbitration hearings................................................................. 159
Subdivision DA—Arbitration reports 161
44ZNB.. Arbitration reports........................................................................... 161
Subdivision E—Effect of determinations 162
44ZO..... Operation of final determinations.................................................... 162
44ZOA.. Effect and duration of interim determinations.................................. 164
Subdivision F—Review of final determinations 164
44ZP..... Review by Tribunal......................................................................... 164
44ZQ..... Provisions that do not apply in relation to a Tribunal review.......... 165
44ZR..... Appeals to Federal Court from determinations of the Tribunal....... 166
44ZS..... Operation and implementation of a determination that is subject to appeal 166
44ZT..... Transmission of documents............................................................ 167
Subdivision G—Variation and revocation of determinations 167
44ZU..... Variation of final determinations..................................................... 167
44ZUA.. Variation and revocation of interim determinations......................... 168
Division 4—Registered contracts for access to declared services 169
44ZV..... Constitutional limits on operation of this Division.......................... 169
44ZW.... Registration of contract................................................................... 169
44ZX..... Review of decision not to register contract...................................... 170
44ZY..... Effect of registration of contract...................................................... 171
Division 5—Hindering access to declared services 172
44ZZ..... Prohibition on hindering access to declared services....................... 172
Division 6—Access undertakings and access codes for services 173
Subdivision A—Giving of access undertakings and access codes 173
44ZZA.. Access undertakings by providers.................................................. 173
44ZZAAA Proposed amendments to access undertakings............................ 175
44ZZAAB Access undertakings containing fixed principles......................... 177
44ZZAA............................................ Access codes prepared by industry bodies 179
44ZZAB Commission may rely on industry body consultations.................... 180
Subdivision B—Effect of access undertakings and access codes 181
44ZZBA When access undertakings and access codes come into operation... 181
Subdivision C—Extensions of access undertakings and access codes 182
44ZZBB Extensions of access undertakings and access codes...................... 182
Subdivision D—Procedural provisions 184
44ZZBC Time limit for Commission decisions.............................................. 184
44ZZBCA Commission may request information.......................................... 186
44ZZBD Commission may invite public submissions................................... 186
44ZZBE Commission must publish its decisions.......................................... 188
Subdivision E—Review of decisions 189
44ZZBF Review of decisions........................................................................ 189
Subdivision F—Register of access undertakings and access codes 191
44ZZC... Register of access undertakings and access codes........................... 191
Division 6A—Pricing principles for access disputes and access undertakings or codes 192
44ZZCA Pricing principles for access disputes and access undertakings or codes 192
Division 6B—Overlap among determinations, registered contracts, access undertakings and Tribunal review 193
44ZZCB Deferring access disputes or access undertakings........................... 193
44ZZCBA Deferral of arbitration if review is underway............................... 194
44ZZCC Overlap between determinations and access undertakings.............. 196
44ZZCD Overlap between registered contracts and access undertakings....... 196
Division 7—Enforcement and remedies 197
44ZZD.. Enforcement of determinations........................................................ 197
44ZZE... Enforcement of prohibition on hindering access............................. 197
44ZZF... Consent injunctions......................................................................... 198
44ZZG.. Interim injunctions.......................................................................... 199
44ZZH.. Factors relevant to granting a restraining injunction........................ 199
44ZZI.... Factors relevant to granting a mandatory injunction........................ 199
44ZZJ.... Enforcement of access undertakings............................................... 199
44ZZK... Discharge or variation of injunction or other order......................... 200
Division 8—Miscellaneous 201
44ZZL... Register of determinations............................................................... 201
44ZZM.. Commonwealth consent to conferral of functions etc. on the Commission or Tribunal by State or Territory laws 201
44ZZMA How duty is imposed..................................................................... 201
44ZZMB When a law of a State or Territory imposes a duty......................... 203
44ZZN.. Compensation for acquisition of property....................................... 203
44ZZNA........................ Operation of Parts IV and VII not affected by this Part 203
44ZZO.. Conduct by directors, servants or agents......................................... 204
44ZZOAAA Information to be given to Tribunal.......................................... 205
44ZZOAA Tribunal only to consider particular material................................ 207
44ZZOA........................................................... Time limit for Tribunal decisions 208
44ZZP... Regulations about review by the Tribunal....................................... 211
44ZZQ.. Regulations about fees for inspection etc. of registers..................... 211
44ZZR... Procedure of the Tribunal when performing functions under a State/Territory energy law or a designated Commonwealth energy law....................................................................................... 211
Part IV—Restrictive trade practices 213
Division 1—Cartel conduct 213
Subdivision A—Introduction 213
44ZZRA Simplified outline............................................................................ 213
44ZZRB Definitions...................................................................................... 213
44ZZRC Extended meaning of party............................................................. 215
44ZZRD Cartel provisions............................................................................. 215
44ZZRE Meaning of expressions in other provisions of this Act.................. 220
Subdivision B—Offences etc. 220
44ZZRF Making a contract etc. containing a cartel provision........................ 220
44ZZRG Giving effect to a cartel provision................................................... 221
44ZZRH Determining guilt............................................................................ 222
44ZZRI. Court may make related civil orders................................................ 222
Subdivision C—Civil penalty provisions 223
44ZZRJ. Making a contract etc. containing a cartel provision........................ 223
44ZZRK Giving effect to a cartel provision................................................... 223
Subdivision D—Exceptions 223
44ZZRL Conduct notified.............................................................................. 223
44ZZRM Cartel provision subject to grant of authorisation........................... 224
44ZZRN Contracts, arrangements or understandings between related bodies corporate 224
44ZZRO Joint ventures—prosecution............................................................ 225
44ZZRP Joint ventures—civil penalty proceedings....................................... 228
44ZZRQ Covenants affecting competition..................................................... 230
44ZZRR Resale price maintenance................................................................. 230
44ZZRS Exclusive dealing............................................................................ 230
44ZZRT Dual listed company arrangement................................................... 231
44ZZRU Acquisition of shares or assets........................................................ 232
44ZZRV Collective acquisition of goods or services by the parties to a contract, arrangement or understanding 232
Division 1A—Anti‑competitive disclosure of pricing and other information 234
44ZZS... Definitions...................................................................................... 234
44ZZT... Goods and services to which this Division applies......................... 234
44ZZU.. Provisions affecting whether a corporation has disclosed information to a person 235
44ZZV.. Meaning of private disclosure to competitors................................. 236
44ZZW.. Corporation must not make private disclosure of pricing information etc. to competitors 237
44ZZX.. Corporation must not make disclosure of pricing information etc. for purpose of substantially lessening competition........................................................................................................ 237
44ZZY.. Exceptions that apply to sections 44ZZW and 44ZZX.................... 239
44ZZZ... Additional exceptions that only apply to section 44ZZW................ 240
44ZZZA Burden of proof.............................................................................. 243
44ZZZB Mere receipt of information does not constitute being knowingly involved in contravention 244
Division 2—Other provisions 245
45.......... Contracts, arrangements or understandings that restrict dealings or affect competition 245
45B....... Covenants affecting competition..................................................... 248
45C....... Covenants in relation to prices........................................................ 251
45D....... Secondary boycotts for the purpose of causing substantial loss or damage 253
45DA.... Secondary boycotts for the purpose of causing substantial lessening of competition 254
45DB.... Boycotts affecting trade or commerce............................................. 255
45DC.... Involvement and liability of employee organisations....................... 255
45DD.... Situations in which boycotts permitted............................................ 257
45E........ Prohibition of contracts, arrangements or understandings affecting the supply or acquisition of goods or services 260
45EA..... Provisions contravening section 45E not to be given effect............ 264
45EB..... Sections 45D to 45EA do not affect operation of other provisions of Part 264
46.......... Misuse of market power................................................................. 264
46A....... Misuse of market power—corporation with substantial degree of power in trans‑Tasman market 268
46B....... No immunity from jurisdiction in relation to certain New Zealand laws.. 270
47.......... Exclusive dealing............................................................................ 270
48.......... Resale price maintenance................................................................. 276
49.......... Dual listed company arrangements that affect competition.............. 276
50.......... Prohibition of acquisitions that would result in a substantial lessening of competition 278
50A....... Acquisitions that occur outside Australia........................................ 280
51.......... Exceptions....................................................................................... 282
51AAA. Concurrent operation of State and Territory laws............................ 287
Part IVB—Industry codes 288
Division 1—Preliminary 288
51ACA. Definitions...................................................................................... 288
Division 2—Contravention of industry codes 290
51AD.... Contravention of industry codes..................................................... 290
Division 3—Public warning notices 291
51ADA. Commission may issue a public warning notice.............................. 291
Division 4—Orders to redress loss or damage suffered by non‑parties etc. 292
51ADB. Orders to redress loss or damage suffered by non‑parties etc......... 292
51ADC. Kinds of orders that may be made to redress loss or damage suffered by non‑parties etc. 294
Division 5—Investigation power 296
51ADD. Commission may require corporation to provide information......... 296
51ADE.. Extending periods for complying with notices................................ 296
51ADF.. Compliance with notices................................................................. 296
51ADG. False or misleading information etc................................................. 297
Division 6—Miscellaneous 298
51AE..... Regulations relating to industry codes............................................. 298
51AEA.. Concurrent operation of State and Territory laws............................ 298
Part VI—Enforcement and remedies 299
75B....... Interpretation................................................................................... 299
76.......... Pecuniary penalties.......................................................................... 299
76A....... Defence to proceedings under section 76 relating to a contravention of section 95AZN 302
76B....... What happens if substantially the same conduct is a contravention of Part IV or section 95AZN and an offence? 303
76C....... Defence to proceedings relating to exclusionary provisions............ 304
77.......... Civil action for recovery of pecuniary penalties.............................. 305
77A....... Indemnification of officers.............................................................. 305
77B....... Certain indemnities not authorised and certain documents void...... 306
77C....... Application of section 77A to a person other than a body corporate 306
78.......... Criminal proceedings not to be brought for contraventions of Part IV 306
79.......... Offences against section 44ZZRF or 44ZZRG............................... 307
79A....... Enforcement and recovery of certain fines...................................... 308
79B....... Preference must be given to compensation for victims.................... 310
80.......... Injunctions...................................................................................... 310
80AB.... Stay of injunctions.......................................................................... 313
80AC.... Injunctions to prevent mergers if clearance or authorisation granted on the basis of false or misleading information........................................................................................................ 314
81.......... Divestiture where merger contravenes section 50 or 50A............... 315
81A....... Divestiture where merger done under clearance or authorisation granted on false etc. information 317
82.......... Actions for damages....................................................................... 319
83.......... Finding in proceedings to be evidence............................................ 319
84.......... Conduct by directors, employees or agents..................................... 319
85.......... Defences......................................................................................... 321
86.......... Jurisdiction of courts....................................................................... 322
86AA.... Limit on jurisdiction of Federal Magistrates Court.......................... 323
86A....... Transfer of matters.......................................................................... 323
86C....... Non‑punitive orders........................................................................ 324
86D....... Punitive orders—adverse publicity................................................. 326
86E........ Order disqualifying a person from managing corporations............. 326
86F........ Privilege against exposure to penalty—disqualification from managing corporations 328
87.......... Other orders.................................................................................... 328
87AA.... Special provision relating to Court’s exercise of powers under this Part in relation to boycott conduct 332
87B....... Enforcement of undertakings.......................................................... 333
87C....... Enforcement of undertakings—Secretary of the Department.......... 334
87CA.... Intervention by Commission........................................................... 335
Part VIA—Proportionate liability for misleading and deceptive conduct 336
87CB..... Application of Part.......................................................................... 336
87CC..... Certain concurrent wrongdoers not to have benefit of apportionment 336
87CD.... Proportionate liability for apportionable claims............................... 337
87CE..... Defendant to notify plaintiff of concurrent wrongdoer of whom defendant aware 338
87CF..... Contribution not recoverable from defendant.................................. 338
87CG.... Subsequent actions.......................................................................... 339
87CH.... Joining non‑party concurrent wrongdoer in the action.................... 339
87CI...... Application of Part.......................................................................... 339
Part VIB—Claims for damages or compensation for death or personal injury 340
Division 1—Introduction 340
87D....... Definitions...................................................................................... 340
87E........ Proceedings to which this Part applies............................................ 341
Division 2—Limitation periods 343
87F........ Basic rule........................................................................................ 343
87G....... Date of discoverability.................................................................... 344
87H....... Long‑stop period............................................................................. 345
87J........ The effect of minority or incapacity................................................. 346
87K....... The effect of close relationships...................................................... 346
Division 3—Limits on personal injury damages for non‑economic loss 347
87L........ Limits on damages for non‑economic loss...................................... 347
87M...... Maximum amount of damages for non‑economic loss.................... 347
87N....... Index numbers................................................................................ 348
87P........ Most extreme cases......................................................................... 348
87Q....... Cases of 33% or more (but not 100%) of a most extreme case....... 348
87R....... Cases of 15% or more (but less than 33%) of a most extreme case 349
87S........ Cases of less than 15% of a most extreme case............................... 350
87T........ Referring to earlier decisions on non‑economic loss....................... 350
Division 4—Limits on personal injury damages for loss of earning capacity 351
87U....... Personal injury damages for loss of earning capacity...................... 351
87V....... Average weekly earnings................................................................ 351
Division 5—Limits on personal injury damages for gratuitous attendant care services 353
87W...... Personal injury damages for gratuitous attendant care services for plaintiff 353
87X....... Personal injury damages for loss of plaintiff’s capacity to provide gratuitous attendant care services 354
Division 6—Other limits on personal injury damages 356
87Y....... Damages for future economic loss—discount rate.......................... 356
87Z........ Damages for loss of superannuation entitlements........................... 356
87ZA..... Interest on damages......................................................................... 357
87ZB..... Exemplary and aggravated damages................................................ 358
Division 7—Structured settlements 359
87ZC..... Court may make orders under section 87 for structured settlements 359
Part VII—Authorisations, notifications and clearances in respect of restrictive trade practices 360
Division 1—Authorisations (other than section 50 merger authorisations) 360
87ZP..... Definitions...................................................................................... 360
88.......... Power of Commission to grant authorisations................................ 360
89.......... Procedure for applications and the keeping of a register................. 367
90.......... Determination of applications for authorisations............................. 370
90A....... Commission to afford opportunity for conference before determining application for authorisation 376
90B....... Commission may rely on consultations undertaken by the AEMC. 379
91.......... Grant and variation of authorisations.............................................. 381
91A....... Minor variations of authorizations.................................................. 383
91B....... Revocation of an authorization........................................................ 384
91C....... Revocation of an authorization and substitution of a replacement... 386
Division 2—Notifications 389
Subdivision A—Exclusive dealing and private disclosure of pricing information 389
93.......... Notification of exclusive dealing or private disclosure of pricing information 389
Subdivision B—Collective bargaining 394
93AA.... Definitions...................................................................................... 394
93AB.... Notification of collective bargaining................................................ 394
93AC.... Commission’s objection notice....................................................... 399
93AD.... When collective bargaining notice comes into force and ceases to be in force 400
93AE..... Withdrawal of collective bargaining notice...................................... 402
93AEA.. Only 1 collective bargaining notice under subsection 93AB(1A) may be given 403
93AF..... Only 1 collective bargaining notice under subsection 93AB(1) may be given 403
Subdivision C—Conferences 404
93A....... Commission to afford opportunity for conference before giving notice 404
Subdivision D—Register of notifications 406
95.......... Register of notifications.................................................................. 406
Division 3—Merger clearances and authorisations 410
Subdivision A—Preliminary 410
95AA.... Simplified outline of this Division.................................................. 410
95AB.... Definitions...................................................................................... 411
Subdivision B—Merger clearances 412
95AC.... Commission may grant clearance for a merger................................ 412
95AD.... Application for clearance................................................................. 412
95AE..... Requirements for valid clearance application................................... 412
95AF..... Commission to notify if clearance application is invalid.................. 413
95AG.... Application to be published on the internet..................................... 413
95AH.... Merger clearance register................................................................ 413
95AI...... Confidentiality claims etc................................................................ 414
95AJ..... Commission may seek additional information from applicant......... 415
95AK.... Commission may seek further information and consult others........ 415
95AL..... Applicant may withdraw application............................................... 416
95AM... Commission to make determination on application......................... 416
95AN.... When clearance must not be granted............................................... 417
95AO.... Time limits for determining application........................................... 417
95AP..... Clearance subject to conditions....................................................... 417
95AQ.... When clearance is in force............................................................... 418
95AR.... Minor variations of clearances........................................................ 419
95AS..... Revocation of clearance or revocation of clearance and substitution of a new clearance 422
Subdivision C—Merger authorisations 426
95AT..... Tribunal may grant authorisation for a merger................................ 426
95AU.... Application for authorisation........................................................... 427
95AV.... Requirements for valid authorisation application............................. 427
95AW... Tribunal to notify if authorisation application is invalid.................. 427
95AX.... Tribunal to notify Commission of authorisation application............ 428
95AY.... Application to be published on the internet..................................... 428
95AZ..... Merger authorisation register.......................................................... 428
95AZA.. Confidentiality claims etc................................................................ 429
95AZC.. Tribunal may seek additional information from applicant................ 430
95AZD.. Tribunal may seek further information and consult others etc......... 430
95AZE.. Applicant may withdraw application............................................... 431
95AZEA................................. Tribunal must require Commission to give report 431
95AZF.. Commission to assist Tribunal........................................................ 431
95AZFA.......................................................... Commission may make enquiries 432
95AZG.. Tribunal to make determination on application................................ 432
95AZH.. When authorisation must not be granted......................................... 433
95AZI... Time limits for determining application........................................... 433
95AZJ... Authorisation subject to conditions................................................. 434
95AZK.. When authorisation is in force......................................................... 434
95AZL.. Minor variations of authorisations.................................................. 434
95AZM. Revocation of authorisation or revocation of authorisation and substitution of a new authorisation 438
Subdivision D—Miscellaneous 443
95AZN.. Providing false or misleading information...................................... 443
Part VIIA—Prices surveillance 444
Division 1—Preliminary 444
95A....... Interpretation................................................................................... 444
95B....... Exempt supplies.............................................................................. 447
95C....... Application of Part.......................................................................... 448
95D....... Crown to be bound......................................................................... 449
95E........ Object of this Part........................................................................... 449
95F........ Simplified overview of this Part...................................................... 449
Division 2—Commission’s functions under this Part 451
95G....... Commission’s functions under this Part......................................... 451
Division 3—Price inquiries 453
Subdivision A—Holding of inquiries 453
95H....... Price inquiries................................................................................. 453
95J........ Content of inquiry notices............................................................... 454
95K....... Period for completing inquiry......................................................... 455
95L........ Notice of holding of inquiry............................................................ 455
95M...... Notice of extension of period for completing inquiry...................... 456
95N....... Price restrictions.............................................................................. 456
Subdivision B—Reports on inquiries 459
95P........ Copies of report to be made available.............................................. 459
95Q....... Notification of proposed prices after receipt of report..................... 459
Subdivision C—Procedure at inquiries 460
95R....... Public inquiries etc.......................................................................... 460
95S........ Taking of evidence on oath or affirmation....................................... 461
95T........ Failure of witness to attend............................................................. 462
95U....... Refusal to be sworn or to answer question..................................... 462
95V....... Protection of witnesses................................................................... 463
95W...... Allowances to witnesses................................................................. 463
Division 4—Price notifications 464
95X....... Declarations by Minister or Commission........................................ 464
95Y....... Declarations in relation to State or Territory authorities.................. 464
95Z........ Price restrictions.............................................................................. 466
95ZA..... Later notices modifying a locality notice......................................... 468
95ZB..... Applicable period in relation to a locality notice.............................. 469
95ZC..... Register of price notifications.......................................................... 470
95ZD..... Delegation by Commission............................................................. 471
Division 5—Price monitoring 472
95ZE..... Directions to monitor prices, costs and profits of an industry......... 472
95ZF..... Directions to monitor prices, costs and profits of a business.......... 472
95ZG..... Exceptions to price monitoring........................................................ 473
Division 6—Other provisions 474
95ZH..... Ministerial directions....................................................................... 474
95ZI...... Inquiries by an unincorporated body or a group of 2 or more individuals 474
95ZJ...... Withdrawal of notices..................................................................... 475
95ZK..... Power to obtain information or documents..................................... 475
95ZL..... Inspection of documents etc............................................................ 478
95ZM.... Retention of documents................................................................... 478
95ZN..... Confidential information................................................................. 479
95ZO..... Immunity......................................................................................... 480
95ZP..... Secrecy: members or staff members of the Commission etc........... 480
95ZQ..... Secrecy: persons involved in inquiries by bodies other than the Commission 482
Part VIII—Resale price maintenance 484
96.......... Acts constituting engaging in resale price maintenance................... 484
96A....... Resale price maintenance in relation to services.............................. 486
97.......... Recommended prices...................................................................... 486
98.......... Withholding the supply of goods.................................................... 487
99.......... Statements as to the minimum price of goods................................. 488
100........ Evidentiary provisions.................................................................... 488
Part IX—Review by Tribunal of Determinations of Commission 490
Division 1—Applications for review (other than for merger clearances) 490
101........ Applications for review................................................................... 490
101A..... Application for review of notice under subsection 93(3) or (3A) or 93AC(1) or (2) 491
102........ Functions and powers of Tribunal.................................................. 491
Division 2—Procedure and Evidence 496
102A..... Definition........................................................................................ 496
103........ Procedure generally......................................................................... 496
104........ Regulations as to certain matters..................................................... 496
105........ Power to take evidence on oath....................................................... 497
106........ Hearings to be in public except in special circumstances................. 497
107........ Evidence in form of written statement............................................. 498
108........ Taking of evidence by single member............................................. 498
109........ Participants in proceedings before Tribunal.................................... 498
110........ Representation................................................................................. 498
Division 3—Review of Commission’s determinations on merger clearances 500
111........ Applications for review................................................................... 500
112........ Tribunal to notify Commission....................................................... 501
113........ Commission to give material to Tribunal......................................... 501
114........ Tribunal may consult etc. to clarify information.............................. 501
115........ Commission to assist Tribunal........................................................ 502
116........ Tribunal only to consider material before the Commission............. 502
117........ Tribunal to make decision on review............................................... 502
118........ Time limits for making review decision.......................................... 502
119........ Tribunal’s decision taken to be Commission’s................................ 503
An Act relating to competition, fair trading and consumer protection, and for other purposes
Part I—Preliminary
1 Short title [see Note 1]
This Act may be cited as the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
2 Object of this Act
The object of this Act is to enhance the welfare of Australians through the promotion of competition and fair trading and provision for consumer protection.
2A Application of Act to Commonwealth and Commonwealth authorities
(1) Subject to this section and sections 44AC, 44E and 95D, this Act binds the Crown in right of the Commonwealth in so far as the Crown in right of the Commonwealth carries on a business, either directly or by an authority of the Commonwealth.
(2) Subject to the succeeding provisions of this section, this Act applies as if:
(a) the Commonwealth, in so far as it carries on a business otherwise than by an authority of the Commonwealth; and
(b) each authority of the Commonwealth (whether or not acting as an agent of the Crown in right of the Commonwealth) in so far as it carries on a business;
were a corporation.
(3) Nothing in this Act makes the Crown in right of the Commonwealth liable to a pecuniary penalty or to be prosecuted for an offence.
(3A) The protection in subsection (3) does not apply to an authority of the Commonwealth.
(4) Part IV does not apply in relation to the business carried on by the Commonwealth in developing, and disposing of interests in, land in the Australian Capital Territory.
2B Application of Act to States and Territories
(1) The following provisions of this Act bind the Crown in right of each of the States, of the Northern Territory and of the Australian Capital Territory, so far as the Crown carries on a business, either directly or by an authority of the State or Territory:
(a) Part IV;
(b) Part XIB;
(c) the other provisions of this Act so far as they relate to the above provisions.
(2) Nothing in this Act renders the Crown in right of a State or Territory liable to a pecuniary penalty or to be prosecuted for an offence.
(3) The protection in subsection (2) does not apply to an authority of a State or Territory.
2BA Application of Part IV to local government bodies
(1) Part IV applies in relation to a local government body only to the extent that it carries on a business, either directly or by an incorporated company in which it has a controlling interest.
(2) In this section:
local government body means a body established by or under a law of a State or Territory for the purposes of local government, other than a body established solely or primarily for the purposes of providing a particular service, such as the supply of electricity or water.
2C Activities that are not business
(1) For the purposes of sections 2A, 2B and 2BA, the following do not amount to carrying on a business:
(a) imposing or collecting:
(i) taxes; or
(ii) levies; or
(iii) fees for licences;
(b) granting, refusing to grant, revoking, suspending or varying licences (whether or not they are subject to conditions);
(c) a transaction involving:
(i) only persons who are all acting for the Crown in the same right (and none of whom is an authority of the Commonwealth or an authority of a State or Territory); or
(ii) only persons who are all acting for the same authority of the Commonwealth; or
(iii) only persons who are all acting for the same authority of a State or Territory; or
(iv) only the Crown in right of the Commonwealth and one or more non‑commercial authorities of the Commonwealth; or
(v) only the Crown in right of a State or Territory and one or more non‑commercial authorities of that State or Territory; or
(vi) only non‑commercial authorities of the Commonwealth; or
(vii) only non‑commercial authorities of the same State or Territory; or
(viii) only persons who are all acting for the same local government body (within the meaning of section 2BA) or for the same incorporated company in which such a body has a controlling interest;
(d) the acquisition of primary products by a government body under legislation, unless the acquisition occurs because:
(i) the body chooses to acquire the products; or
(ii) the body has not exercised a discretion that it has under the legislation that would allow it not to acquire the products.
(2) Subsection (1) does not limit the things that do not amount to carrying on a business for the purposes of sections 2A, 2B and 2BA.
(3) In this section:
acquisition of primary products by a government body under legislation includes vesting of ownership of primary products in a government body by legislation.
government body means the Commonwealth, a State, a Territory, an authority of the Commonwealth or an authority of a State or Territory.
licence means a licence that allows the licensee to supply goods or services.
primary products means:
(a) agricultural or horticultural produce; or
(b) crops, whether on or attached to the land or not; or
(c) animals (whether dead or alive); or
(d) the bodily produce (including natural increase) of animals.
(4) For the purposes of this section, an authority of the
Commonwealth or an authority of a State or Territory is non‑commercial if:
(a) it is constituted by only one person; and
(b) it is neither a trading corporation nor a financial corporation.
3 Repeal
The Restrictive Trade Practices Act 1971 and the Restrictive Trade Practices Act 1972 are repealed.
4 Interpretation
(1) In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears:
acquire includes:
(a) in relation to goods—acquire by way of purchase, exchange or taking on lease, on hire or on hire‑purchase; and
(b) in relation to services—accept.
AEMC or Australian Energy Market Commission means the body established by section 5 of the Australian Energy Market Commission Establishment Act 2004 of South Australia.
AER or Australian Energy Regulator means the body established by section 44AE.
AER Chair means the Chair of the AER.
AER member means a member of the AER.
arrive at, in relation to an understanding, includes reach or enter into.
Australian Consumer Law means Schedule 2 as applied under Subdivision A of Division 2 of Part XI.
authorisation means:
(a) an authorisation under Division 1 of Part VII granted by the Commission or by the Tribunal on a review of a determination of the Commission; or
(b) an authorisation under Division 3 of Part VII granted by the Tribunal.
authority, in relation to a State or Territory (including an external Territory), means:
(a) a body corporate established for a purpose of the State or the Territory by or under a law of the State or Territory; or
(b) an incorporated company in which the State or the Territory, or a body corporate referred to in paragraph (a), has a controlling interest.
authority of the Commonwealth means:
(a) a body corporate established for a purpose of the Commonwealth by or under a law of the Commonwealth or a law of a Territory; or
(b) an incorporated company in which the Commonwealth, or a body corporate referred to in paragraph (a), has a controlling interest.
banker includes, but is not limited to, a body corporate that is an ADI (authorised deposit‑taking institution) for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959.
business includes a business not carried on for profit.
cartel provision has the meaning given by section 44ZZRD.
Chairperson means the Chairperson of the Commission.
clearance means a clearance under Division 3 of Part VII granted by the Commission or by the Tribunal on a review of a determination of the Commission.
Commission means the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission established by section 6A, and includes a member of the Commission or a Division of the Commission performing functions of the Commission.
competition includes competition from imported goods or from services rendered by persons not resident or not carrying on business in Australia.
Competition Principles Agreement means the Competition Principles Agreement made on 11 April 1995 between the Commonwealth, New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory, being that agreement as in force from time to time.
Conduct Code Agreement means the Conduct Code Agreement made on 11 April 1995 between the Commonwealth, New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory, being that agreement as in force from time to time.
corporation means a body corporate that:
(a) is a foreign corporation;
(b) is a trading corporation formed within the limits of Australia or is a financial corporation so formed;
(c) is incorporated in a Territory; or
(d) is the holding company of a body corporate of a kind referred to in paragraph (a), (b) or (c).
Council means the National Competition Council established by section 29A.
Councillor means a member of the Council, including the Council President.
Council President means the Council President referred to in subsection 29C(1).
covenant means a covenant (including a promise not under seal) annexed to or running with an estate or interest in land (whether at law or in equity and whether or not for the benefit of other land), and proposed covenant has a corresponding meaning.
debenture includes debenture stock, bonds, notes and any other document evidencing or acknowledging indebtedness of a body corporate, whether constituting a charge on property of the body corporate or not.
Deputy Chairperson means a Deputy Chairperson of the Commission.
Deputy President means a Deputy President of the Tribunal, and includes a person appointed to act as a Deputy President of the Tribunal.
Deputy Registrar means a Deputy Registrar of the Tribunal.
designated Commonwealth energy law means:
(a) the National Electricity (Commonwealth) Law and Regulations (as defined by the Australian Energy Market Act 2004); or
(b) the National Gas (Commonwealth) Law and Regulations (as defined by the Australian Energy Market Act 2004); or
(c) the Offshore Western Australian Pipelines (Commonwealth) Law and Regulations (as defined by the Australian Energy Market Act 2004); or
(d) the National Energy Retail Law and Regulations (Commonwealth) (as defined by the Australian Energy Market Act 2004).
document means any record of information, and includes:
(a) anything on which there is writing; and
(b) anything on which there are marks, figures, symbols or perforations having a meaning for persons qualified to interpret them; and
(c) anything from which sounds, images or writings can be reproduced with or without the aid of anything else; and
(d) a map, plan, drawing or photograph.
dual listed company arrangement has the same meaning as in section 125‑60 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.
financial corporation means a financial corporation within the meaning of paragraph 51(xx) of the Constitution and includes a body corporate that carries on as its sole or principal business the business of banking (other than State banking not extending beyond the limits of the State concerned) or insurance (other than State insurance not extending beyond the limits of the State concerned).
foreign corporation means a foreign corporation within the meaning of paragraph 51(xx) of the Constitution and includes a body corporate that is incorporated in an external Territory.
fully‑participating jurisdiction means a State or Territory that:
(a) is a participating jurisdiction as defined in section 150A; and
(b) is not named in a notice in operation under section 150K.
give effect to, in relation to a provision of a contract, arrangement or understanding, includes do an act or thing in pursuance of or in accordance with or enforce or purport to enforce.
goods includes:
(a) ships, aircraft and other vehicles;
(b) animals, including fish;
(c) minerals, trees and crops, whether on, under or attached to land or not; and
(d) gas and electricity.
local energy instrument means a regulation, rule, order, declaration or other instrument if:
(a) the instrument is made or has effect under a law of a State or Territory; and
(b) the law of the State or Territory applies a uniform energy law as a law of its own jurisdiction.
member of the Commission includes the Chairperson and a person appointed to act as a member of the Commission but does not include an associate member of the Commission.
member of the Tribunal includes the President and a person appointed to act as a member of the Tribunal.
New Zealand Commerce Commission means the Commission established by section 8 of the Commerce Act 1986 of New Zealand.
New Zealand Crown corporation means a body corporate that is an instrument of the Crown in respect of the Government of New Zealand.
organisation of employees means an organisation that exists or is carried on for the purpose, or for purposes that include the purpose, of furthering the interests of its members in relation to their employment.
personal injury includes:
(a) pre‑natal injury; or
(b) impairment of a person’s physical or mental condition; or
(c) disease;
but does not include an impairment of a person’s mental condition unless the impairment consists of a recognised psychiatric illness.
practice of exclusive dealing means the practice of exclusive dealing referred to in subsection 47(2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8) or (9).
practice of resale price maintenance means the practice of resale price maintenance referred to in Part VIII.
President means the President of the Tribunal and includes a person appointed to act as President of the Tribunal.
presidential member or presidential member of the Tribunal means the President or a Deputy President.
price includes a charge of any description.
provision, in relation to an understanding, means any matter forming part of the understanding.
registered charity means an entity that is registered under the Australian Charities and Not‑for‑profits Commission Act 2012 as the type of entity mentioned in column 1 of item 1 of the table in subsection 25‑5(5) of that Act.
Registrar means the Registrar of the Tribunal.
require, in relation to the giving of a covenant, means require or demand the giving of a covenant, whether by way of making a contract containing the covenant or otherwise, and whether or not a covenant is given in pursuance of the requirement or demand.
send includes deliver, and sent and sender have corresponding meanings.
services includes any rights (including rights in relation to, and interests in, real or personal property), benefits, privileges or facilities that are, or are to be, provided, granted or conferred in trade or commerce, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes the rights, benefits, privileges or facilities that are, or are to be, provided, granted or conferred under:
(a) a contract for or in relation to:
(i) the performance of work (including work of a professional nature), whether with or without the supply of goods;
(ii) the provision of, or the use or enjoyment of facilities for, amusement, entertainment, recreation or instruction; or
(iii) the conferring of rights, benefits or privileges for which remuneration is payable in the form of a royalty, tribute, levy or similar exaction;
(b) a contract of insurance;
(c) a contract between a banker and a customer of the banker entered into in the course of the carrying on by the banker of the business of banking; or
(d) any contract for or in relation to the lending of moneys;
but does not include rights or benefits being the supply of goods or the performance of work under a contract of service.
share includes stock.
South Australian Electricity Legislation means:
(a) the National Electricity Law set out in the Schedule to the National Electricity (South Australia) Act 1996 of South Australia as in force from time to time; and
(b) any regulations, as in force from time to time, made under Part 4 of that Act.
The reference in paragraph (a) to the National Electricity Law set out in the Schedule to the National Electricity (South Australia) Act 1996 of South Australia as in force from time to time includes a reference to any Rules or other instruments, as in force from time to time, made or having effect under that Law.
South Australian Energy Retail Legislation means:
(a) the National Energy Retail Law set out in the Schedule to the National Energy Retail Law (South Australia) Act 2011 of South Australia, as amended from time to time; and
(b) any regulations, as amended from time to time, made under Part 11 of the National Energy Retail Law.
The reference in paragraph (a) to the National Energy Retail Law set out in the Schedule to the National Energy Retail Law (South Australia) Act 2011 of South Australia, as amended from time to time, includes a reference to any Rules or other instruments, as amended from time to time, made or having effect under that Law.
South Australian Gas Legislation means:
(a) the National Gas Law set out in the Schedule to the National Gas (South Australia) Act 2008 of South Australia as in force from time to time; and
(b) any regulations, as in force from time to time, made under Part 3 of that Act.
The reference in paragraph (a) to the National Gas Law set out in the Schedule to the National Gas (South Australia) Act 2008 of South Australia as in force from time to time includes a reference to any Rules or other instruments, as in force from time to time, made or having effect under that Law.
State/Territory AER member means an AER member referred to in section 44AP.
State/Territory energy law means any of the following laws:
(a) a uniform energy law that applies as a law of a State or Territory;
(b) a law of a State or Territory that applies a law mentioned in paragraph (a) as a law of its own jurisdiction;
(c) any other provisions of a law of a State or Territory that:
(i) relate to energy; and
(ii) are prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph;
being those provisions as in force from time to time.
supply, when used as a verb, includes:
(a) in relation to goods—supply (including re‑supply) by way of sale, exchange, lease, hire or hire‑purchase; and
(b) in relation to services—provide, grant or confer;
and, when used as a noun, has a corresponding meaning, and supplied and supplier have corresponding meanings.
Telstra has the same meaning as in the Telstra Corporation Act 1991.
Territory means:
(a) an internal Territory; or
(b) the Territory of Christmas Island; or
(c) the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
the Court or the Federal Court means the Federal Court of Australia.
the Family Court means the Family Court of Australia.
this Act includes Schedule 2 to the extent that it is applied under Subdivision A of Division 2 of Part XI.
trade or commerce means trade or commerce within Australia or between Australia and places outside Australia.
trading corporation means a trading corporation within the meaning of paragraph 51(xx) of the Constitution.
Tribunal means the Australian Competition Tribunal, and includes a member of that Tribunal or a Division of that Tribunal performing functions of that Tribunal.
uniform energy law means:
(a) the South Australian Electricity Legislation; or
(b) the South Australian Gas Legislation; or
(c) the Western Australian Gas Legislation; or
(ca) the South Australian Energy Retail Legislation; or
(d) provisions of a law of a State or Territory that:
(i) relate to energy; and
(ii) are prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this subparagraph;
being those provisions as in force from time to time.
Western Australian Gas Legislation means:
(a) the National Gas Access (Western Australia) Law (within the meaning of the National Gas Access (WA) Act 2009 of Western Australia) as in force from time to time; and
(b) any regulations, as in force from time to time, made under Part 3 of that Act.
The reference in paragraph (a) to the National Gas Access (Western Australia) Law (within the meaning of the National Gas Access (WA) Act 2009 of Western Australia) as in force from time to time includes a reference to any Rules or other instruments, as in force from time to time, made or having effect under that Law.
(2) In this Act:
(a) a reference to engaging in conduct shall be read as a reference to doing or refusing to do any act, including the making of, or the giving effect to a provision of, a contract or arrangement, the arriving at, or the giving effect to a provision of, an understanding or the requiring of the giving of, or the giving of, a covenant;
(b) a reference to conduct, when that expression is used as a noun otherwise than as mentioned in paragraph (a), shall be read as a reference to the doing of or the refusing to do any act, including the making of, or the giving effect to a provision of, a contract or arrangement, the arriving at, or the giving effect to a provision of, an understanding or the requiring of the giving of, or the giving of, a covenant;
(c) a reference to refusing to do an act includes a reference to:
(i) refraining (otherwise than inadvertently) from doing that act; or
(ii) making it known that that act will not be done; and
(d) a reference to a person offering to do an act, or to do an act on a particular condition, includes a reference to the person making it known that the person will accept applications, offers or proposals for the person to do that act or to do that act on that condition, as the case may be.
(3) Where a provision of this Act is expressed to render a provision of a contract, or to render a covenant, unenforceable if the provision of the contract or the covenant has or is likely to have a particular effect, that provision of this Act applies in relation to the provision of the contract or the covenant at any time when the provision of the contract or the covenant has or is likely to have that effect notwithstanding that:
(a) at an earlier time the provision of the contract or the covenant did not have that effect or was not regarded as likely to have that effect; or
(b) the provision of the contract or the covenant will not or may not have that effect at a later time.
(4) In this Act:
(a) a reference to the acquisition of shares in the capital of a body corporate shall be construed as a reference to an acquisition, whether alone or jointly with another person, of any legal or equitable interest in such shares; and
(b) a reference to the acquisition of assets of a person shall be construed as a reference to an acquisition, whether alone or jointly with another person, of any legal or equitable interest in such assets but does not include a reference to an acquisition by way of charge only or an acquisition in the ordinary course of business.
4A Subsidiary, holding and related bodies corporate
(1) For the purposes of this Act, a body corporate shall, subject to subsection (3), be deemed to be a subsidiary of another body corporate if:
(a) that other body corporate:
(i) controls the composition of the board of directors of the first‑mentioned body corporate;
(ii) is in a position to cast, or control the casting of, more than one‑half of the maximum number of votes that might be cast at a general meeting of the first‑mentioned body corporate; or
(iii) holds more than one‑half of the allotted share capital of the first‑mentioned body corporate (excluding any part of that allotted share capital that carries no right to participate beyond a specified amount in a distribution of either profits or capital); or
(b) the first‑mentioned body corporate is a subsidiary of any body corporate that is that other body corporate’s subsidiary (including any body corporate that is that other body corporate’s subsidiary by another application or other applications of this paragraph).
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the composition of a body corporate’s board of directors shall be deemed to be controlled by another body corporate if that other body corporate, by the exercise of some power exercisable by it without the consent or concurrence of any other person, can appoint or remove all or a majority of the directors, and for the purposes of this provision that other body corporate shall be deemed to have power to make such an appointment if:
(a) a person cannot be appointed as a director without the exercise in his or her favour by that other body corporate of such a power; or
(b) a person’s appointment as a director follows necessarily from his or her being a director or other officer of that other body corporate.
(3) In determining whether a body corporate is a subsidiary of another body corporate:
(a) any shares held or power exercisable by that other body corporate in a fiduciary capacity shall be treated as not held or exercisable by it;
(b) subject to paragraphs (c) and (d), any shares held or power exercisable:
(i) by any person as a nominee for that other body corporate (except where that other body corporate is concerned only in a fiduciary capacity); or
(ii) by, or by a nominee for, a subsidiary of that other body corporate, not being a subsidiary that is concerned only in a fiduciary capacity;
shall be treated as held or exercisable by that other body corporate;
(c) any shares held or power exercisable by any person by virtue of the provisions of any debentures of the first‑mentioned body corporate, or of a trust deed for securing any allotment of such debentures, shall be disregarded; and
(d) any shares held or power exercisable by, or by a nominee for, that other body corporate or its subsidiary (not being held or exercisable as mentioned in paragraph (c)) shall be treated as not held or exercisable by that other body corporate if the ordinary business of that other body corporate or its subsidiary, as the case may be, includes the lending of money and the shares are held or the power is exercisable by way of security only for the purposes of a transaction entered into in the ordinary course of that business.
(4) A reference in this Act to the holding company of a body corporate shall be read as a reference to a body corporate of which that other body corporate is a subsidiary.
(5) Where a body corporate:
(a) is the holding company of another body corporate;
(b) is a subsidiary of another body corporate; or
(c) is a subsidiary of the holding company of another body corporate;
that first‑mentioned body corporate and that other body corporate shall, for the purposes of this Act, be deemed to be related to each other.
(5A) For the purposes of Parts IV, VI and VII:
(a) a body corporate that is a party to a dual listed company arrangement is taken to be related to the other body corporate that is a party to the arrangement; and
(b) a body corporate that is related to one of the parties to the arrangement is taken to be related to the other party to the arrangement; and
(c) a body corporate that is related to one of the parties to the arrangement is taken to be related to each body corporate that is related to the other party to the arrangement.
(6) In proceedings under this Act, whether in the Court or before the Tribunal or the Commission, it shall be presumed, unless the contrary is established, that bodies corporate are not, or were not at a particular time, related to each other.
4B Consumers
(1) For the purposes of this Act, unless the contrary intention appears:
(a) a person shall be taken to have acquired particular goods as a consumer if, and only if:
(i) the price of the goods did not exceed the prescribed amount; or
(ii) where that price exceeded the prescribed amount—the goods were of a kind ordinarily acquired for personal, domestic or household use or consumption or the goods consisted of a commercial road vehicle;
and the person did not acquire the goods, or hold himself or herself out as acquiring the goods, for the purpose of
re‑supply or for the purpose of using them up or transforming them, in trade or commerce, in the course of a process of production or manufacture or of repairing or treating other goods or fixtures on land; and
(b) a person shall be taken to have acquired particular services as a consumer if, and only if:
(i) the price of the services did not exceed the prescribed amount; or
(ii) where that price exceeded the prescribed amount—the services were of a kind ordinarily acquired for personal, domestic or household use or consumption.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1):
(a) the prescribed amount is $40,000 or, if a greater amount is prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph, that greater amount;
(b) subject to paragraph (c), the price of goods or services purchased by a person shall be taken to have been the amount paid or payable by the person for the goods or services;
(c) where a person purchased goods or services together with other property or services, or with both other property and services, and a specified price was not allocated to the goods or services in the contract under which they were purchased, the price of the goods or services shall be taken to have been:
(i) the price at which, at the time of the acquisition, the person could have purchased from the supplier the goods or services without the other property or services;
(ii) if, at the time of the acquisition, the goods or services were not available for purchase from the supplier except together with the other property or services but, at that time, goods or services of the kind acquired were available for purchase from another supplier without other property or services—the lowest price at which the person could, at that time, reasonably have purchased goods or services of that kind from another supplier; or
(iii) if, at the time of the acquisition, goods or services of the kind acquired were not available for purchase from any supplier except together with other property or services—the value of the goods or services at that time;
(d) where a person acquired goods or services otherwise than by way of purchase, the price of the goods or services shall be taken to have been:
(i) the price at which, at the time of the acquisition, the person could have purchased the goods or services from the supplier;
(ii) if, at the time of the acquisition, the goods or services were not available for purchase from the supplier or were so available only together with other property or services but, at that time, goods or services of the kind acquired were available for purchase from another supplier—the lowest price at which the person could, at that time, reasonably have purchased goods or services of that kind from another supplier; or
(iii) if goods or services of the kind acquired were not available, at the time of the acquisition, for purchase from any supplier or were not so available except together with other property or services—the value of the goods or services at that time; and
(e) without limiting by implication the meaning of the expression services in subsection 4(1), the obtaining of credit by a person in connection with the acquisition of goods or services by him or her shall be deemed to be the acquisition by him or her of a service and any amount by which the amount paid or payable by him or her for the goods or services is increased by reason of his or her so obtaining credit shall be deemed to be paid or payable by him or her for that service.
(3) Where it is alleged in any proceeding under this Act or in any other proceeding in respect of a matter arising under this Act that a person was a consumer in relation to particular goods or services, it shall be presumed, unless the contrary is established, that the person was a consumer in relation to those goods or services.
(4) In this section, commercial road vehicle means a vehicle or trailer acquired for use principally in the transport of goods on public roads.