Contents
Part I—Preliminary 1
1............................ Short title............................................................................ 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............................................ 3
3............................ Repeal................................................................................. 4
4............................ Interpretation....................................................................... 5
4A......................... Subsidiary, holding and related bodies corporate.............. 16
4B.......................... Consumers........................................................................ 18
4C.......................... Acquisition, supply and re‑supply.................................... 21
4D......................... Exclusionary provisions................................................... 22
4E.......................... Market.............................................................................. 23
4F.......................... References to purpose or reason....................................... 23
4G......................... Lessening of competition to include preventing or hindering competition 24
4H......................... Application of Act in relation to leases and licences of land and buildings 24
4J........................... Joint ventures.................................................................... 24
4K.......................... Loss or damage to include injury...................................... 25
4KA....................... Definitions etc. that do not apply in Part XI or Schedule 2 25
4L.......................... Severability....................................................................... 25
4M......................... Saving of law relating to restraint of trade and breaches of confidence 26
4N......................... Extended application of Part IIIA..................................... 26
5............................ Extended application of this Act to conduct outside Australia 26
6............................ Extended application of this Act to persons who are not corporations 28
6AA...................... Application of the Criminal Code..................................... 35
Part II—The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission 37
6A......................... Establishment of Commission.......................................... 37
7............................ Constitution of Commission............................................. 38
8............................ Terms and conditions of appointment............................... 38
8A......................... Associate members........................................................... 39
8AB....................... State/Territory AER members taken to be associate members 40
9............................ Remuneration.................................................................... 40
10.......................... Deputy Chairpersons........................................................ 41
11.......................... Acting Chairperson........................................................... 42
12.......................... Leave of absence............................................................... 42
13.......................... Termination of appointment of members of the Commission.. 43
14.......................... Termination of appointment of associate members of the Commission 43
15.......................... Resignation....................................................................... 44
16.......................... Arrangement of business.................................................. 44
17.......................... Disclosure of interests by Chairperson............................. 44
17A....................... Disclosure of certain interests by members of the Commission when taking part in determinations of matters.......................................................................................... 44
18.......................... Meetings of Commission.................................................. 45
19.......................... Chairperson may direct Commission to sit in Divisions... 46
25.......................... Delegation by Commission............................................... 47
26.......................... Delegation by Commission of certain functions and powers 48
27.......................... Staff of Commission......................................................... 48
27A....................... Consultants....................................................................... 49
28.......................... Functions of Commission in relation to dissemination of information, law reform and research 49
29.......................... Commission to comply with directions of Minister and requirements of the Parliament 50
Part IIA—The National Competition Council 52
29A....................... Establishment of Council.................................................. 52
29B........................ Functions and powers of Council..................................... 52
29BA..................... Commonwealth consent to conferral of functions etc. on Council 53
29BB..................... How duty is imposed........................................................ 54
29BC..................... When a State/Territory energy law imposes a duty........... 55
29C........................ Membership of Council.................................................... 55
29D....................... Terms and conditions of office......................................... 55
29E........................ Acting Council President.................................................. 56
29F........................ Remuneration of Councillors............................................ 56
29G....................... Leave of absence............................................................... 56
29H....................... Termination of appointment of Councillors...................... 57
29I......................... Resignation of Councillors............................................... 57
29J......................... Arrangement of Council business..................................... 57
29L........................ Council meetings.............................................................. 58
29LA..................... Resolutions without meetings........................................... 58
29M....................... Staff to help Council......................................................... 59
29N....................... Consultants....................................................................... 59
29O....................... Annual report.................................................................... 59
Part III—The Australian Competition Tribunal 61
29P........................ Definition.......................................................................... 61
30.......................... Constitution of Tribunal.................................................... 61
31.......................... Qualifications of members of Tribunal............................. 61
31A....................... Appointment of Judge as presidential member of Tribunal not to affect tenure etc. 62
32.......................... Terms and conditions of appointment............................... 62
33.......................... Remuneration and allowances of members of Tribunal.... 62
34.......................... Acting appointments......................................................... 62
35.......................... Suspension and removal of members of Tribunal............. 64
36.......................... Resignation....................................................................... 65
37.......................... Constitution of Tribunal for particular matters.................. 65
38.......................... Validity of determinations................................................. 65
39.......................... President may give directions........................................... 65
40.......................... Disclosure of interests by members of Tribunal............... 65
41.......................... Presidential member to preside......................................... 66
42.......................... Decision of questions....................................................... 66
43.......................... Member of Tribunal ceasing to be available...................... 67
43A....................... Counsel assisting Tribunal................................................ 67
43B........................ Consultants....................................................................... 68
44.......................... Staff of Tribunal............................................................... 68
44A....................... Acting appointments......................................................... 68
Part IIIAA—The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) 69
Division 1—Preliminary 69
44AB..................... Definitions........................................................................ 69
44AC..................... This Part binds the Crown................................................ 69
44AD.................... Extra‑territorial operation.................................................. 69
Division 2—Establishment of the AER 71
44AE..................... Establishment of the AER................................................. 71
44AF..................... AER to hold money and property on behalf of the Commonwealth 71
44AG.................... Constitution of the AER................................................... 71
Division 3—Functions and powers of the AER 72
44AH.................... Commonwealth functions................................................. 72
44AI...................... Commonwealth consent to conferral of functions etc. on AER 72
44AJ...................... How duty is imposed........................................................ 73
44AK..................... When a State/Territory energy law etc. imposes a duty..... 74
44AL..................... Powers of the AER........................................................... 74
Division 4—Administrative provisions relating to the AER 76
Subdivision A—Appointment etc. of members 76
44AM.................... Appointment of Commonwealth AER member................ 76
44AN.................... Membership of AER and Commission............................. 76
44AO.................... Acting appointment of Commonwealth AER member...... 77
44AP..................... Appointment of State/Territory AER members................. 77
44AQ.................... Acting appointment of State/Territory AER member........ 78
44AR..................... AER Chair........................................................................ 78
44AS..................... Acting AER Chair............................................................ 79
44AT..................... Remuneration of AER members....................................... 79
44AU.................... Additional remuneration of AER Chair............................ 80
44AV.................... Leave of absence............................................................... 80
44AW.................... Other terms and conditions............................................... 80
44AX.................... Outside employment......................................................... 80
44AY.................... Disclosure of interests...................................................... 81
44AZ..................... Resignation....................................................................... 81
44AAB.................. Termination of appointment.............................................. 81
Subdivision B—Staff etc. to assist the AER 82
44AAC.................. Staff etc. to assist the AER............................................... 82
Subdivision C—Meetings of the AER etc. 83
44AAD................. Meetings........................................................................... 83
44AAE.................. Resolutions without meetings........................................... 83
44AAEA............... Arbitration........................................................................ 84
Subdivision D—Miscellaneous 84
44AAF.................. Confidentiality.................................................................. 84
44AAG................. Federal Court may make certain orders............................. 86
44AAGA.............. Federal Court may order disconnection if an event specified in the National Electricity Rules occurs 87
44AAH................. Delegation by the AER..................................................... 88
44AAI................... Fees.................................................................................. 89
44AAJ................... Annual report.................................................................... 89
44AAK.................. Regulations may deal with transitional matters................. 89
Part IIIAB—Application of the finance law 91
44AAL.................. Application of the finance law.......................................... 91
Part IIIA—Access to services 92
Division 1—Preliminary 92
44AA.................... Objects of Part.................................................................. 92
44B........................ Definitions........................................................................ 92
44C........................ How this Part applies to partnerships and joint ventures.. 96
44D....................... Meaning of designated Minister....................................... 97
44DA.................... The principles in the Competition Principles Agreement have status as guidelines 98
44E........................ This Part binds the Crown................................................ 98
Division 2—Declared services 100
Subdivision A—Recommendation by the Council 100
44F........................ Person may request recommendation.............................. 100
44FA..................... Council may request information.................................... 101
44G....................... Limits on the Council recommending declaration of a service 102
44GA.................... Time limit for Council recommendations........................ 103
44GB..................... Council may invite public submissions on the application 106
44GC..................... Council must publish its recommendation...................... 107
Subdivision B—Declaration by the designated Minister 108
44H....................... Designated Minister may declare a service..................... 108
44HA.................... Designated Minister must publish his or her decision.... 110
44I......................... Duration and effect of declaration................................... 111
44J......................... Revocation of declaration................................................ 112
44K........................ Review of declaration..................................................... 113
44KA..................... Tribunal may stay operation of declaration..................... 114
44KB..................... Tribunal may order costs be awarded............................. 116
44L........................ Review of decision not to revoke a declaration............... 117
Division 2AA—Services that are ineligible to be declared 119
Subdivision A—Scope of Division 119
44LA..................... Constitutional limits on operation of this Division.......... 119
Subdivision B—Ineligibility recommendation by Council 119
44LB..................... Ineligibility recommendation........................................... 119
44LC..................... Council may request information.................................... 121
44LD..................... Time limit for Council recommendations........................ 122
44LE...................... Council may invite public submissions on the application 124
44LF...................... Council must publish its recommendation...................... 125
Subdivision C—Designated Minister’s decision on ineligibility 126
44LG..................... Designated Minister’s decision on ineligibility............... 126
44LH..................... Designated Minister must publish his or her decision.... 128
Subdivision D—Revocation of ineligibility decision 129
44LI....................... Revocation of ineligibility decision................................. 129
Subdivision E—Review of decisions 131
44LJ...................... Review of ineligibility decisions..................................... 131
44LK..................... Review of decision to revoke or not revoke an ineligibility decision 132
Subdivision F—Other matters 134
44LL...................... Ineligibility decisions subject to alteration, cancellation etc. 134
Division 2A—Effective access regimes 135
Subdivision A—Recommendation by Council 135
44M....................... Recommendation for a Ministerial decision on effectiveness of access regime 135
44MA.................... Council may request information.................................... 136
Subdivision B—Decision by Commonwealth Minister 136
44N....................... Ministerial decision on effectiveness of access regime... 136
Subdivision C—Extensions of Commonwealth Minister’s decision 138
44NA.................... Recommendation by Council.......................................... 138
44NAA................. Council may request information.................................... 139
44NB..................... Decision by the Commonwealth Minister....................... 139
Subdivision D—Procedural provisions 141
44NC..................... Time limit for Council recommendations........................ 141
44NE..................... Council may invite public submissions........................... 143
44NF..................... Publication—Council...................................................... 145
44NG.................... Publication—Commonwealth Minister........................... 146
Subdivision E—Review of decisions 146
44O....................... Review of Ministerial decision on effectiveness of access regime 146
Subdivision F—State or Territory ceasing to be a party to Competition Principles Agreement 148
44P........................ State or Territory ceasing to be a party to Competition Principles Agreement 148
Division 2B—Competitive tender processes for government owned facilities 149
44PA..................... Approval of competitive tender process.......................... 149
44PAA.................. Commission may request information............................ 150
44PB..................... Report on conduct of tender process............................... 151
44PC..................... Revocation of approval decision..................................... 151
44PD..................... Time limit for Commission decisions............................. 153
44PE...................... Commission may invite public submissions................... 155
44PF...................... Commission must publish its decisions.......................... 156
44PG..................... Review of Commission’s initial decision........................ 157
44PH..................... Review of decision to revoke an approval...................... 159
Division 2C—Register of decisions and declarations 161
44Q....................... Register of decisions, declarations and ineligibility decisions 161
Division 3—Access to declared services 162
Subdivision A—Scope of Division 162
44R........................ Constitutional limits on operation of this Division.......... 162
Subdivision B—Notification of access disputes 162
44S........................ Notification of access disputes........................................ 162
44T........................ Withdrawal of notifications............................................. 163
Subdivision C—Arbitration of access disputes 163
44U....................... Parties to the arbitration.................................................. 163
44V....................... Determination by Commission....................................... 163
44W....................... Restrictions on access determinations............................. 164
44X....................... Matters that the Commission must take into account...... 166
44XA.................... Time limit for Commission’s final determination............ 167
44Y....................... Commission may terminate arbitration in certain cases... 169
44YA.................... Commission must terminate arbitration if declaration varied or set aside by Tribunal 169
Subdivision D—Procedure in arbitrations 170
44Z........................ Constitution of Commission for conduct of arbitration... 170
44ZA..................... Member of the Commission presiding at an arbitration.. 170
44ZB..................... Reconstitution of Commission........................................ 170
44ZC..................... Determination of questions............................................. 171
44ZD..................... Hearing to be in private................................................... 171
44ZE...................... Right to representation.................................................... 171
44ZF...................... Procedure of Commission.............................................. 171
44ZG..................... Particular powers of Commission................................... 172
44ZH..................... Power to take evidence on oath or affirmation................ 173
44ZI....................... Failing to attend as a witness.......................................... 173
44ZJ...................... Failing to answer questions etc....................................... 174
44ZK..................... Intimidation etc............................................................... 174
44ZL...................... Party may request Commission to treat material as confidential 175
44ZM.................... Sections 18 and 19 do not apply to the Commission in an arbitration 175
44ZN..................... Parties to pay costs of an arbitration............................... 176
44ZNA.................. Joint arbitration hearings................................................. 176
Subdivision DA—Arbitration reports 178
44ZNB.................. Arbitration reports.......................................................... 178
Subdivision E—Effect of determinations 179
44ZO..................... Operation of final determinations.................................... 179
44ZOA.................. Effect and duration of interim determinations................. 181
Subdivision F—Review of final determinations 182
44ZP...................... Review by Tribunal........................................................ 182
44ZQ..................... Provisions that do not apply in relation to a Tribunal review 183
44ZR..................... Appeals to Federal Court from determinations of the Tribunal 183
44ZS...................... Operation and implementation of a determination that is subject to appeal 184
44ZT...................... Transmission of documents............................................ 184
Subdivision G—Variation and revocation of determinations 185
44ZU..................... Variation of final determinations..................................... 185
44ZUA.................. Variation and revocation of interim determinations......... 185
Division 4—Registered contracts for access to declared services 186
44ZV..................... Constitutional limits on operation of this Division.......... 186
44ZW.................... Registration of contract................................................... 186
44ZX..................... Review of decision not to register contract..................... 187
44ZY..................... Effect of registration of contract...................................... 188
Division 5—Hindering access to declared services 189
44ZZ...................... Prohibition on hindering access to declared services...... 189
Division 6—Access undertakings and access codes for services 190
Subdivision A—Giving of access undertakings and access codes 190
44ZZA................... Access undertakings by providers.................................. 190
44ZZAAA............. Proposed amendments to access undertakings................ 192
44ZZAAB............. Access undertakings containing fixed principles............ 194
44ZZAA................ Access codes prepared by industry bodies..................... 196
44ZZAB................ Commission may rely on industry body consultations... 198
Subdivision B—Effect of access undertakings and access codes 199
44ZZBA................ When access undertakings and access codes come into operation 199
Subdivision C—Extensions of access undertakings and access codes 200
44ZZBB................ Extensions of access undertakings and access codes...... 200
Subdivision D—Procedural provisions 202
44ZZBC................ Time limit for Commission decisions............................. 202
44ZZBCA............. Commission may request information............................ 204
44ZZBD................ Commission may invite public submissions................... 205
44ZZBE................. Commission must publish its decisions.......................... 206
Subdivision E—Review of decisions 207
44ZZBF................. Review of decisions........................................................ 207
Subdivision F—Register of access undertakings and access codes 209
44ZZC................... Register of access undertakings and access codes.......... 209
Division 6A—Pricing principles for access disputes and access undertakings or codes 210
44ZZCA................ Pricing principles for access disputes and access undertakings or codes 210
Division 6B—Overlap among determinations, registered contracts, access undertakings and Tribunal review 211
44ZZCB................ Deferring access disputes or access undertakings........... 211
44ZZCBA............. Deferral of arbitration if review is underway.................. 213
44ZZCC................ Overlap between determinations and access undertakings 214
44ZZCD................ Overlap between registered contracts and access undertakings 214
Division 7—Enforcement and remedies 216
44ZZD................... Enforcement of determinations....................................... 216
44ZZE................... Enforcement of prohibition on hindering access............. 217
44ZZF................... Consent injunctions........................................................ 218
44ZZG................... Interim injunctions.......................................................... 218
44ZZH................... Factors relevant to granting a restraining injunction........ 218
44ZZI.................... Factors relevant to granting a mandatory injunction........ 218
44ZZJ.................... Enforcement of access undertakings............................... 219
44ZZK................... Discharge or variation of injunction or other order......... 219
Division 8—Miscellaneous 220
44ZZL................... Register of determinations.............................................. 220
44ZZM.................. Commonwealth consent to conferral of functions etc. on the Commission or Tribunal by State or Territory laws................................................................................ 220
44ZZMA............... How duty is imposed...................................................... 221
44ZZMB............... When a law of a State or Territory imposes a duty......... 222
44ZZN................... Compensation for acquisition of property....................... 222
44ZZNA................ Operation of Parts IV and VII not affected by this Part.. 223
44ZZO................... Conduct by directors, servants or agents........................ 223
44ZZOAAA.......... Information to be given to Tribunal................................ 225
44ZZOAA............. Tribunal only to consider particular material................... 227
44ZZOA................ Time limit for Tribunal decisions.................................... 227
44ZZP................... Regulations about review by the Tribunal....................... 230
44ZZQ................... Regulations about fees for inspection etc. of registers.... 231
44ZZR................... Procedure of the Tribunal when performing functions under a State/Territory energy law or a designated Commonwealth energy law............................................ 231
Part IV—Restrictive trade practices 232
Division 1—Cartel conduct 232
Subdivision A—Introduction 232
44ZZRA................ Simplified outline............................................................ 232
44ZZRB................ Definitions...................................................................... 232
44ZZRC................ Extended meaning of party............................................. 234
44ZZRD................ Cartel provisions............................................................. 234
44ZZRE................. Meaning of expressions in other provisions of this Act. 240
Subdivision B—Offences etc. 240
44ZZRF................. Making a contract etc. containing a cartel provision........ 240
44ZZRG................ Giving effect to a cartel provision................................... 241
44ZZRH................ Determining guilt............................................................ 242
44ZZRI.................. Court may make related civil orders................................ 243
Subdivision C—Civil penalty provisions 243
44ZZRJ................. Making a contract etc. containing a cartel provision........ 243
44ZZRK................ Giving effect to a cartel provision................................... 243
Subdivision D—Exceptions 244
44ZZRL................. Conduct notified............................................................. 244
44ZZRM............... Cartel provision subject to grant of authorisation............ 244
44ZZRN................ Contracts, arrangements or understandings between related bodies corporate 245
44ZZRO................ Joint ventures—prosecution........................................... 245
44ZZRP................. Joint ventures—civil penalty proceedings....................... 248
44ZZRQ................ Covenants affecting competition..................................... 251
44ZZRR................ Resale price maintenance................................................ 251
44ZZRS................. Exclusive dealing............................................................ 252
44ZZRT................. Dual listed company arrangement................................... 253
44ZZRU................ Acquisition of shares or assets....................................... 253
44ZZRV................ Collective acquisition of goods or services by the parties to a contract, arrangement or understanding 254
Division 1A—Anti‑competitive disclosure of pricing and other information 255
44ZZS................... Definitions...................................................................... 255
44ZZT................... Goods and services to which this Division applies......... 255
44ZZU................... Provisions affecting whether a corporation has disclosed information to a person 256
44ZZV................... Meaning of private disclosure to competitors................ 257
44ZZW.................. Corporation must not make private disclosure of pricing information etc. to competitors 258
44ZZX................... Corporation must not make disclosure of pricing information etc. for purpose of substantially lessening competition..................................................................... 259
44ZZY................... Exceptions that apply to sections 44ZZW and 44ZZX.... 260
44ZZZ................... Additional exceptions that only apply to section 44ZZW 262
44ZZZA................ Burden of proof.............................................................. 265
44ZZZB................. Mere receipt of information does not constitute being knowingly involved in contravention 266
Division 2—Other provisions 267
45.......................... Contracts, arrangements or understandings that restrict dealings or affect competition 267
45B........................ Covenants affecting competition..................................... 270
45C........................ Covenants in relation to prices........................................ 274
45D....................... Secondary boycotts for the purpose of causing substantial loss or damage 276
45DA.................... Secondary boycotts for the purpose of causing substantial lessening of competition 277
45DB..................... Boycotts affecting trade or commerce............................. 278
45DC..................... Involvement and liability of employee organisations...... 279
45DD.................... Situations in which boycotts permitted........................... 281
45E........................ Prohibition of contracts, arrangements or understandings affecting the supply or acquisition of goods or services........................................................................... 284
45EA..................... Provisions contravening section 45E not to be given effect 288
45EB..................... Sections 45D to 45EA do not affect operation of other provisions of Part 288
46.......................... Misuse of market power................................................. 288
46A....................... Misuse of market power—corporation with substantial degree of power in trans‑Tasman market 293
46B........................ No immunity from jurisdiction in relation to certain New Zealand laws 295
47.......................... Exclusive dealing............................................................ 295
48.......................... Resale price maintenance................................................ 302
49.......................... Dual listed company arrangements that affect competition 302
50.......................... Prohibition of acquisitions that would result in a substantial lessening of competition 304
50A....................... Acquisitions that occur outside Australia........................ 306
51.......................... Exceptions...................................................................... 309
51AAA................. Concurrent operation of State and Territory laws........... 314
Part IVB—Industry codes 315
Division 1—Preliminary 315
51ACA.................. Definitions...................................................................... 315
Division 2—Contravention of industry codes 317
51ACB.................. Contravention of industry codes..................................... 317
Division 2A—Infringement notices 318
51ACC.................. Purpose and effect of this Division................................. 318
51ACD.................. Issuing an infringement notice........................................ 318
51ACE.................. Matters to be included in an infringement notice............. 319
51ACF.................. Amount of penalty.......................................................... 319
51ACG.................. Effect of compliance with an infringement notice........... 320
51ACH.................. Effect of failure to comply with an infringement notice.. 320
51ACI................... Infringement notice compliance period for infringement notice 321
51ACJ................... Withdrawal of an infringement notice............................. 321
Division 3—Public warning notices 324
51ADA................. Commission may issue a public warning notice............. 324
Division 4—Orders to redress loss or damage suffered by non‑parties etc. 325
51ADB.................. Orders to redress loss or damage suffered by non‑parties etc. 325
51ADC.................. Kinds of orders that may be made to redress loss or damage suffered by non‑parties etc. 327
Division 5—Investigation power 329
51ADD................. Commission may require corporation to provide information 329
51ADE.................. Extending periods for complying with notices................ 329
51ADF.................. Compliance with notices................................................. 330
51ADG................. False or misleading information etc................................ 330
Division 6—Miscellaneous 331
51AE..................... Regulations relating to industry codes............................ 331
51AEA.................. Concurrent operation of State and Territory laws........... 331
Part IVC—Payment surcharges 332
Division 1—Preliminary 332
55.......................... Object of this Part........................................................... 332
55A....................... Definitions...................................................................... 332
Division 2—Limit on payment surcharges 334
55B........................ Payment surcharges must not be excessive..................... 334
Division 3—Information about payment surcharges 335
55C........................ Surcharge information notices........................................ 335
55D....................... Extending periods for complying with notices................ 335
55E........................ Participant must comply with notice............................... 336
Division 4—Infringement notices 337
55F........................ Purpose and effect of this Division................................. 337
55G....................... Issuing an infringement notice........................................ 337
55H....................... Matters to be included in an infringement notice............. 338
55J......................... Amount of penalty.......................................................... 338
55K........................ Effect of compliance with an infringement notice........... 338
55L........................ Effect of failure to comply with an infringement notice.. 339
55M....................... Infringement notice compliance period for infringement notice 339
55N....................... Withdrawal of an infringement notice............................. 340
Part V—Carbon tax price reduction obligation 342
Division 1—Preliminary 342
60.......................... Simplified outline of this Part......................................... 342
60AA.................... Objects etc...................................................................... 343
60A....................... Definitions...................................................................... 344
60B........................ Regulated goods............................................................. 349
Division 2—Carbon tax price reduction obligation 350
60C........................ Price exploitation in relation to the carbon tax repeal...... 350
60CA..................... Failure to pass on cost savings—250% penalty.............. 350
60D....................... Notice to entity that is considered to have engaged in price exploitation in relation to the carbon tax repeal........................................................................................ 352
60E........................ Commission may issue notice to aid prevention of price exploitation in relation to the carbon tax repeal........................................................................................ 353
60F........................ Acquisition of property................................................... 354
Division 2A—Carbon tax removal substantiation notices 355
60FA..................... Carbon tax removal substantiation notices...................... 355
60FB..................... Extending periods for complying with carbon tax removal substantiation notices 356
60FC..................... Compliance with carbon tax removal substantiation notices 356
Division 2B—Carbon tax removal substantiation statements 358
60FD..................... Carbon tax removal substantiation statements................. 358
Division 2C—Statements for customers 361
60FE...................... Statements for customers................................................ 361
Division 3—Price monitoring in relation to the carbon tax repeal etc. 363
60G....................... Commission may monitor prices in relation to the carbon tax repeal etc. 363
60H....................... Information‑gathering powers........................................ 365
60J......................... Reporting........................................................................ 367
Division 4—False or misleading representations about the effect of the carbon tax repeal etc. on prices 368
60K........................ False or misleading representations about the effect of the carbon tax repeal etc. on prices 368
Division 5—Infringement notices 369
60L........................ Issuing an infringement notice........................................ 369
60M....................... Effect of compliance with an infringement notice........... 370
60N....................... Effect of failure to comply with an infringement notice.. 371
60P........................ Infringement notice compliance period for infringement notice 371
60Q....................... Withdrawal of an infringement notice............................. 372
60R........................ Effect of this Division..................................................... 373
Part VI—Enforcement and remedies 375
75B........................ Interpretation................................................................... 375
76.......................... Pecuniary penalties......................................................... 375
76A....................... Defence to proceedings under section 76 relating to a contravention of section 95AZN 379
76B........................ What happens if substantially the same conduct is a contravention of Part IV or section 95AZN and an offence?.......................................................................... 380
76C........................ Defence to proceedings relating to exclusionary provisions 381
77.......................... Civil action for recovery of pecuniary penalties.............. 382
77A....................... Indemnification of officers.............................................. 382
77B........................ Certain indemnities not authorised and certain documents void 383
77C........................ Application of section 77A to a person other than a body corporate 383
78.......................... Criminal proceedings not to be brought for contraventions of Part IV 383
79.......................... Offences against section 44ZZRF or 44ZZRG............... 384
79A....................... Enforcement and recovery of certain fines...................... 385
79B........................ Preference must be given to compensation for victims... 387
80.......................... Injunctions...................................................................... 388
80A....................... Price exploitation in relation to the carbon tax repeal—orders limiting prices or requiring refunds of money........................................................................................ 391
80AB..................... Stay of injunctions.......................................................... 391
80AC..................... Injunctions to prevent mergers if clearance or authorisation granted on the basis of false or misleading information..................................................................... 393
81.......................... Divestiture where merger contravenes section 50 or 50A 394
81A....................... Divestiture where merger done under clearance or authorisation granted on false etc. information 396
82.......................... Actions for damages....................................................... 398
83.......................... Finding in proceedings to be evidence............................ 398
84.......................... Conduct by directors, employees or agents..................... 399
85.......................... Defences......................................................................... 401
86.......................... Jurisdiction of courts...................................................... 401
86AA.................... Limit on jurisdiction of Federal Circuit Court................. 403
86A....................... Transfer of matters.......................................................... 403
86C........................ Non‑punitive orders........................................................ 404
86D....................... Punitive orders—adverse publicity................................. 406
86E........................ Order disqualifying a person from managing corporations 407
86F........................ Privilege against exposure to penalty—disqualification from managing corporations 408
87.......................... Other orders.................................................................... 409
87AA.................... Special provision relating to Court’s exercise of powers under this Part in relation to boycott conduct 414
87B........................ Enforcement of undertakings.......................................... 415
87C........................ Enforcement of undertakings—Secretary of the Department 416
87CA..................... Intervention by Commission........................................... 416
Part VIA—Proportionate liability for misleading and deceptive conduct 417
87CB..................... Application of Part.......................................................... 417
87CC..................... Certain concurrent wrongdoers not to have benefit of apportionment 417
87CD..................... Proportionate liability for apportionable claims............... 418
87CE..................... Defendant to notify plaintiff of concurrent wrongdoer of whom defendant aware 419
87CF..................... Contribution not recoverable from defendant.................. 420
87CG..................... Subsequent actions......................................................... 420
87CH..................... Joining non‑party concurrent wrongdoer in the action.... 420
87CI...................... Application of Part.......................................................... 420
Part VIB—Claims for damages or compensation for death or personal injury 422
Division 1—Introduction 422
87D....................... Definitions...................................................................... 422
87E........................ Proceedings to which this Part applies............................ 424
Division 2—Limitation periods 425
87F........................ Basic rule........................................................................ 425
87G....................... Date of discoverability.................................................... 426
87H....................... Long‑stop period............................................................ 428
87J......................... The effect of minority or incapacity................................ 428
87K........................ The effect of close relationships...................................... 429
Division 3—Limits on personal injury damages for non‑economic loss 430
87L........................ Limits on damages for non‑economic loss...................... 430
87M....................... Maximum amount of damages for non‑economic loss... 430
87N....................... Index numbers................................................................ 431
87P........................ Most extreme cases......................................................... 431
87Q....................... Cases of 33% or more (but not 100%) of a most extreme case 432
87R........................ Cases of 15% or more (but less than 33%) of a most extreme case 432
87S........................ Cases of less than 15% of a most extreme case.............. 433
87T........................ Referring to earlier decisions on non‑economic loss....... 433
Division 4—Limits on personal injury damages for loss of earning capacity 434
87U....................... Personal injury damages for loss of earning capacity..... 434
87V....................... Average weekly earnings................................................ 434
Division 5—Limits on personal injury damages for gratuitous attendant care services 436
87W....................... Personal injury damages for gratuitous attendant care services for plaintiff 436
87X....................... Personal injury damages for loss of plaintiff’s capacity to provide gratuitous attendant care services 437
Division 6—Other limits on personal injury damages 439
87Y....................... Damages for future economic loss—discount rate.......... 439
87Z........................ Damages for loss of superannuation entitlements........... 439
87ZA..................... Interest on damages........................................................ 440
87ZB..................... Exemplary and aggravated damages............................... 441
Division 7—Structured settlements 442
87ZC..................... Court may make orders under section 87 for structured settlements 442
Part VII—Authorisations, notifications and clearances in respect of restrictive trade practices 443
Division 1—Authorisations (other than section 50 merger authorisations) 443
87ZP...................... Definitions...................................................................... 443
88.......................... Power of Commission to grant authorisations................ 443
89.......................... Procedure for applications and the keeping of a register. 451
90.......................... Determination of applications for authorisations............. 454
90A....................... Commission to afford opportunity for conference before determining application for authorisation 461
90B........................ Commission may rely on consultations undertaken by the AEMC 465
91.......................... Grant and variation of authorisations.............................. 466
91A....................... Minor variations of authorizations.................................. 468
91B........................ Revocation of an authorization........................................ 470
91C........................ Revocation of an authorization and substitution of a replacement 472
Division 2—Notifications 475
Subdivision A—Exclusive dealing and private disclosure of pricing information 475
93.......................... Notification of exclusive dealing or private disclosure of pricing information 475
Subdivision B—Collective bargaining 481
93AA.................... Definitions...................................................................... 481
93AB..................... Notification of collective bargaining............................... 481
93AC..................... Commission’s objection notice....................................... 486
93AD.................... When collective bargaining notice comes into force and ceases to be in force 488
93AE..................... Withdrawal of collective bargaining notice..................... 489
93AEA.................. Only 1 collective bargaining notice under subsection 93AB(1A) may be given 490
93AF..................... Only 1 collective bargaining notice under subsection 93AB(1) may be given 491
Subdivision C—Conferences 491
93A....................... Commission to afford opportunity for conference before giving notice 491
Subdivision D—Register of notifications 494
95.......................... Register of notifications.................................................. 494
Division 3—Merger clearances and authorisations 498
Subdivision A—Preliminary 498
95AA.................... Simplified outline of this Division.................................. 498
95AB..................... Definitions...................................................................... 499
Subdivision B—Merger clearances 500
95AC..................... Commission may grant clearance for a merger............... 500
95AD.................... Application for clearance................................................ 501
95AE..................... Requirements for valid clearance application.................. 501
95AF..................... Commission to notify if clearance application is invalid. 501
95AG.................... Application to be published on the internet..................... 501
95AH.................... Merger clearance register................................................ 502
95AI...................... Confidentiality claims etc................................................ 502
95AJ...................... Commission may seek additional information from applicant 504
95AK..................... Commission may seek further information and consult others 504
95AL..................... Applicant may withdraw application............................... 504
95AM.................... Commission to make determination on application......... 504
95AN.................... When clearance must not be granted............................... 505
95AO.................... Time limits for determining application........................... 506
95AP..................... Clearance subject to conditions....................................... 506
95AQ.................... When clearance is in force.............................................. 507
95AR..................... Minor variations of clearances........................................ 508
95AS..................... Revocation of clearance or revocation of clearance and substitution of a new clearance 512
Subdivision C—Merger authorisations 516
95AT..................... Tribunal may grant authorisation for a merger................ 516
95AU.................... Application for authorisation.......................................... 517
95AV.................... Requirements for valid authorisation application............ 517
95AW.................... Tribunal to notify if authorisation application is invalid.. 518
95AX.................... Tribunal to notify Commission of authorisation application 518
95AY.................... Application to be published on the internet..................... 518
95AZ..................... Merger authorisation register.......................................... 518
95AZA.................. Confidentiality claims etc................................................ 519
95AZC.................. Tribunal may seek additional information from applicant 520
95AZD.................. Tribunal may seek further information and consult others etc. 521
95AZE................... Applicant may withdraw application............................... 521
95AZEA................ Tribunal must require Commission to give report........... 521
95AZF................... Commission to assist Tribunal........................................ 521
95AZFA................ Commission may make enquiries................................... 522
95AZG.................. Tribunal to make determination on application................ 522
95AZH.................. When authorisation must not be granted......................... 523
95AZI.................... Time limits for determining application........................... 524
95AZJ................... Authorisation subject to conditions................................. 524
95AZK.................. When authorisation is in force........................................ 525
95AZL................... Minor variations of authorisations.................................. 525
95AZM................. Revocation of authorisation or revocation of authorisation and substitution of a new authorisation 529
Subdivision D—Miscellaneous 534
95AZN.................. Providing false or misleading information...................... 534
Part VIIA—Prices surveillance 536
Division 1—Preliminary 536
95A....................... Interpretation................................................................... 536
95B........................ Exempt supplies.............................................................. 540
95C........................ Application of Part.......................................................... 540
95D....................... Crown to be bound......................................................... 541
95E........................ Object of this Part........................................................... 541
95F........................ Simplified overview of this Part..................................... 542
Division 2—Commission’s functions under this Part 543
95G....................... Commission’s functions under this Part......................... 543
Division 3—Price inquiries 545
Subdivision A—Holding of inquiries 545
95H....................... Price inquiries................................................................. 545
95J......................... Content of inquiry notices............................................... 546
95K........................ Period for completing inquiry......................................... 547
95L........................ Notice of holding of inquiry........................................... 548
95M....................... Notice of extension of period for completing inquiry..... 548
95N....................... Price restrictions............................................................. 549
Subdivision B—Reports on inquiries 552
95P........................ Copies of report to be made available............................. 552
95Q....................... Notification of proposed prices after receipt of report..... 552
Subdivision C—Procedure at inquiries 553
95R........................ Public inquiries etc.......................................................... 553
95S........................ Taking of evidence on oath or affirmation...................... 554
95T........................ Failure of witness to attend............................................. 555
95U....................... Refusal to be sworn or to answer question..................... 555
95V....................... Protection of witnesses................................................... 556
95W....................... Allowances to witnesses................................................. 557
Division 4—Price notifications 558
95X....................... Declarations by Minister or Commission....................... 558
95Y....................... Declarations in relation to State or Territory authorities.. 558
95Z........................ Price restrictions............................................................. 560
95ZA..................... Later notices modifying a locality notice......................... 563
95ZB..................... Applicable period in relation to a locality notice.............. 563
95ZC..................... Register of price notifications......................................... 564
95ZD..................... Delegation by Commission............................................. 566
Division 5—Price monitoring 567
95ZE...................... Directions to monitor prices, costs and profits of an industry 567
95ZF...................... Directions to monitor prices, costs and profits of a business 567
95ZG..................... Exceptions to price monitoring....................................... 568
Division 6—Other provisions 569
95ZH..................... Ministerial directions...................................................... 569
95ZI....................... Inquiries by an unincorporated body or a group of 2 or more individuals 569
95ZJ...................... Withdrawal of notices..................................................... 570
95ZK..................... Power to obtain information or documents..................... 570
95ZL...................... Inspection of documents etc............................................ 573
95ZM.................... Retention of documents.................................................. 574
95ZN..................... Confidential information................................................. 574
95ZO..................... Immunity........................................................................ 575
95ZP...................... Secrecy: members or staff members of the Commission etc. 576
95ZPA................... Disclosure of protected information to the Energy Department 577
95ZQ..................... Secrecy: persons involved in inquiries by bodies other than the Commission 579
Part VIII—Resale price maintenance 581
96.......................... Acts constituting engaging in resale price maintenance... 581
96A....................... Resale price maintenance in relation to services.............. 583
97.......................... Recommended prices...................................................... 584
98.......................... Withholding the supply of goods.................................... 584
99.......................... Statements as to the minimum price of goods................. 585
100........................ Evidentiary provisions.................................................... 586
Part IX—Review by Tribunal of Determinations of Commission 587
Division 1—Applications for review (other than for merger clearances) 587
101........................ Applications for review.................................................. 587
101A..................... Application for review of notice under subsection 93(3) or (3A) or 93AC(1) or (2) 588
102........................ Functions and powers of Tribunal.................................. 589
Division 2—Procedure and Evidence 594
102A..................... Definition........................................................................ 594
103........................ Procedure generally........................................................ 594
104........................ Regulations as to certain matters..................................... 594
105........................ Power to take evidence on oath....................................... 595
106........................ Hearings to be in public except in special circumstances 595
107........................ Evidence in form of written statement............................. 596
108........................ Taking of evidence by single member............................. 596
109........................ Participants in proceedings before Tribunal.................... 596
110........................ Representation................................................................ 597
Division 3—Review of Commission’s determinations on merger clearances 598
111........................ Applications for review.................................................. 598
112........................ Tribunal to notify Commission....................................... 599
113........................ Commission to give material to Tribunal........................ 599
114........................ Tribunal may consult etc. to clarify information.............. 599
115........................ Commission to assist Tribunal........................................ 600
116........................ Tribunal only to consider material before the Commission 600
117........................ Tribunal to make decision on review.............................. 600
118........................ Time limits for making review decision.......................... 601
119........................ Tribunal’s decision taken to be Commission’s............... 601