Contents
Part X—International liner cargo shipping 1
Division 1—Preliminary 1
10.01..................... Objects of Part.................................................................... 1
10.01A.................. Simplified outline................................................................ 2
10.02..................... Interpretation....................................................................... 3
10.02A.................. Inland terminals................................................................ 11
10.03..................... Designated shipper bodies................................................ 12
Division 2—Additional restrictive trade practice provisions applying to ocean carriers 15
10.04..................... Application of section 46 in relation to conference agreements 15
Division 3—Minimum standards for conference agreements 16
10.06..................... Application of Australian law to outwards conference agreements and withdrawal from agreements 16
10.07..................... Minimum levels of shipping services to be specified in conference agreements 16
10.08..................... Conference agreements may include only certain restrictive trade practice provisions 16
10.09..................... Where may consequences of conference agreements not complying with minimum standards be found?.......................................................................................... 18
Division 4—Registers and files and public inspection of them 19
10.10..................... Registers and conference agreement files open to public inspection 19
10.11..................... What registers are to be kept by the Registrar?................. 19
10.12..................... What conference agreement files are to be kept by the Registrar? 19
10.13..................... What register is to be kept by the Commission?............... 20
Division 5—Exemptions from certain restrictive trade practice prohibitions 21
Subdivision A—Exemptions relating to conference agreements 21
10.14..................... Exemptions apply only to certain activities....................... 21
10.15..................... When do exemptions commence to apply in relation to registered conference agreements? 21
10.16..................... Exemptions do not apply to variations of conference agreement unless varying agreement registered 22
10.17..................... Exemptions from sections 45AF, 45AG, 45AJ, 45AK and 45 22
10.17A.................. Exemptions from sections 45AF, 45AG, 45AJ, 45AK and 45 for freight rate agreements 23
10.18..................... Exemption from section 47............................................... 24
10.18A.................. Exemptions from section 47 for freight rate agreements... 24
Subdivision B—Exemptions relating to loyalty agreements 25
10.19..................... Exemptions from sections 45AF, 45AG, 45AJ, 45AK and 45 25
10.20..................... Exemption from section 47............................................... 26
10.21..................... Exemptions cease to apply in relation to a shipper at the shipper’s option 26
Subdivision D—Other exemptions 26
10.24..................... Exemptions from sections 45AF, 45AG, 45AJ, 45AK, 45 and 47 in relation to certain negotiations 26
10.24A.................. Exemptions from sections 45AF, 45AG, 45AJ, 45AK, 45 and 47 in relation to stevedoring contracts 27
Division 6—Registration of conference agreements 29
Subdivision A—Provisional registration 29
10.25..................... Application for provisional registration of conference agreement 29
10.26..................... How application is to be made and verified...................... 29
10.27..................... Copy of agreement to be filed with application etc............ 29
10.27A.................. Copy of conference agreement to be given to designated peak shipper body 30
10.28..................... Decision on application for provisional registration.......... 31
10.29..................... Parties to conference agreement to negotiate minimum level of shipping services after provisional registration of agreement..................................................................... 33
Subdivision B—Final registration 35
10.30..................... Application for final registration of conference agreement 35
10.31..................... How application is to be made and verified...................... 35
10.32..................... Copy of agreement to be filed with application etc............ 35
10.33..................... Decision on application for final registration.................... 36
Subdivision C—Confidentiality requests 38
10.34..................... Request for confidentiality................................................ 38
10.35..................... Abstract to accompany request for confidentiality............ 38
10.36..................... Examination of abstract..................................................... 38
10.37..................... Decision on request for confidentiality............................. 39
10.38..................... Application for registration to be returned where request for confidentiality refused etc. 40
Subdivision D—Miscellaneous 40
10.39..................... Application also to be made for registration of varying conference agreements 40
10.40..................... Notification of happening of affecting events prior to final registration etc. 41
Division 7—Obligations of ocean carriers in relation to registered conference agreements 43
10.41..................... Parties to registered conference agreement to negotiate with certain designated shipper bodies etc. 43
10.42..................... Application to be made for registration of varying conference agreements 45
10.43..................... Parties to registered conference agreement to notify happening of affecting events etc. 45
Division 8—Powers of Minister in relation to registered conference agreements 47
10.44..................... Powers exercisable by Minister in relation to registered conference agreements etc. 47
10.45..................... Circumstances in which Minister may exercise powers in relation to registered conference agreements 48
10.46..................... Action to be taken where powers exercised by Minister without first obtaining Commission report 52
10.47..................... Investigation and report by Commission on reference by Minister 53
10.48..................... Investigation and report by Commission on own initiative or on application by affected person 53
10.49..................... Undertakings by parties to registered conference agreement 55
10.49A.................. Enforcement of undertakings............................................ 55
Division 9—Obligations of non‑conference ocean carriers with substantial market power 57
10.50..................... Investigations by Commission into market power of ocean carriers 57
10.51..................... Determination by Minister of market power of ocean carriers 57
10.52..................... Non‑conference ocean carrier with substantial market power to negotiate with certain designated shipper bodies etc.......................................................................... 58
10.53..................... Non‑conference ocean carrier with substantial market power not to hinder Australian flag shipping operators etc..................................................................................... 60
Division 10—Powers of Minister in relation to non‑conference ocean carriers with substantial market power 61
10.54..................... Powers exercisable by Minister in relation to obligations of non‑conference ocean carriers with substantial market power.................................................................... 61
10.55..................... Circumstances in which Minister may exercise powers.... 61
10.56..................... Action to be taken where powers exercised by Minister without first obtaining Commission report 62
10.57..................... Investigation and report by Commission on reference by Minister 63
10.58..................... Investigation and report by Commission on application by affected person 63
10.59..................... Undertakings by ocean carrier.......................................... 64
10.60..................... Enforcement of orders and undertakings.......................... 65
Division 11—Unfair pricing practices 66
10.61..................... Powers exercisable by Minister in relation to pricing practices etc. 66
10.62..................... Circumstances in which Minister may exercise powers.... 66
10.63..................... Investigation and report by Commission.......................... 67
10.64..................... Undertakings not to engage in pricing practices................ 67
10.65..................... Enforcement of orders and undertakings.......................... 68
10.66..................... Determination of normal freight rates for shipping services 68
10.67..................... Determination of whether practice contrary to national interest 69
Division 12—Registration of ocean carrier agents 71
10.68..................... Ocean carrier who provides international liner cargo shipping services to have registered agent 71
10.69..................... Representation of ocean carrier by registered agent.......... 71
10.70..................... Application by ocean carrier for registration of agent....... 72
10.71..................... Registration of agent......................................................... 72
10.72..................... Change of agent etc........................................................... 73
Division 12A—Exemption orders for inwards conference agreements etc. 74
10.72A.................. Exemption orders for inwards conference agreements etc. 74
10.72B................... Criteria for making exemption order................................. 75
10.72C................... Duration of exemption order may be limited..................... 75
10.72D.................. Conditions of exemption order......................................... 75
Division 13—General provisions relating to registers and conference agreement files 76
10.73..................... Form of registers and conference agreement files............. 76
10.74..................... Deletion of entries wrongly existing in certain registers... 76
10.75..................... Deletion of obsolete entries in certain registers................. 76
10.76..................... Correction of clerical errors and other mistakes in certain registers etc. 76
Division 14—Administration 77
10.77..................... Registrar of Liner Shipping.............................................. 77
10.78..................... Appointment of Registrar etc............................................ 77
10.79..................... Acting Registrar................................................................ 77
10.80..................... Registrar and staff to be public servants........................... 77
10.81..................... Delegation by Minister..................................................... 77
10.82..................... Delegation by Registrar.................................................... 78
Division 14A—Review of decisions of Commission 79
10.82A.................. Review by Tribunal.......................................................... 79
10.82B................... Functions and powers of Tribunal.................................... 79
10.82C................... Provisions that do not apply in relation to a Tribunal review 80
Division 14B—Review of decisions of Minister 81
10.82D.................. Review by Tribunal.......................................................... 81
10.82E................... Functions and powers of Tribunal.................................... 82
10.82F................... Modifying register after Tribunal review.......................... 82
10.82G.................. Provisions that do not apply in relation to a Tribunal review 83
Division 15—Miscellaneous 84
10.83..................... Act not to affect rights under Freedom of Information Act 84
10.84..................... Review of decisions of Registrar...................................... 84
10.85..................... Statement to accompany notices of Registrar.................... 84
10.86..................... Evidence........................................................................... 85
10.87..................... Notification by Commission of references etc.................. 85
10.88..................... Exclusion of documents etc. from register of Commission investigations 86
10.89..................... Disclosure of confidential information.............................. 87
10.90..................... Fees.................................................................................. 89
10.91..................... Application of Part XID and section 155 to investigations under Part 89
Part XI—Application of the Australian Consumer Law as a law of the Commonwealth 90
Division 1—Preliminary 90
130........................ Definitions........................................................................ 90
130A..................... Expressions defined in Schedule 2................................... 92
Division 2—Application of the Australian Consumer Law as a law of the Commonwealth 93
Subdivision A—Application of the Australian Consumer Law 93
131........................ Application of the Australian Consumer Law in relation to corporations etc. 93
131A..................... Division does not apply to financial services.................... 94
131B...................... Division does not apply to interim bans imposed by State or Territory Ministers 95
131C...................... Saving of other laws and remedies................................... 95
Subdivision B—Effect of other Commonwealth laws on the Australian Consumer Law 96
131D..................... Effect of Part VIB on Chapter 5 of the Australian Consumer Law 96
131E...................... Application of the Legislation Act 2003............................ 96
131F...................... Section 4AB of the Crimes Act does not apply................ 97
131G..................... Application of the Criminal Code..................................... 97
Division 3—Conferences for proposed bans and recall notices 98
Subdivision A—Conference requirements before a ban or compulsory recall 98
132........................ Commonwealth Minister must issue a proposed ban notice 98
132A..................... Commonwealth Minister must issue a proposed recall notice 99
132B...................... Commonwealth Minister to be notified if no person wishes a conference to be held 100
132C...................... Notification of conference............................................... 100
132D..................... Recommendation after conclusion of conference............ 100
Subdivision B—Conference requirements after an interim ban is imposed 102
132E...................... Opportunity for a conference after an interim ban has been imposed by the Commonwealth Minister 102
132F...................... Notification of conference............................................... 102
132G..................... Recommendation after conclusion of conference............ 103
Subdivision C—Conduct of conferences 103
132H..................... Conduct of conferences.................................................. 103
Subdivision D—Miscellaneous 105
132J....................... Interim ban and recall notice without delay in case of danger to the public 105
132K...................... Copy of notices under this Division to be given to suppliers 105
Division 4—Enforcement 107
Subdivision A—Inspectors 107
133........................ Appointment of inspectors.............................................. 107
133A..................... Identity cards.................................................................. 107
Subdivision B—Premises to which the public is given access 108
133B...................... Power to enter premises to which the public has access—consumer goods 108
133C...................... Power to enter premises to which the public has access—product related services 109
Subdivision C—Disclosure notices relating to the safety of goods or services 110
133D..................... Power to obtain information etc...................................... 110
133E...................... Self‑incrimination........................................................... 111
133F...................... Compliance with disclosure notices................................ 112
133G..................... False or misleading information etc................................ 112
Subdivision D—Court orders relating to the destruction etc. of goods 113
133H..................... Court orders relating to consumer goods that do not comply with a safety standard etc. 113
133J....................... Recovery of reasonable costs of seizing, and destroying or disposing of, consumer goods 114
Division 5—Infringement notices 115
134........................ Purpose and effect of this Division................................. 115
134A..................... Issuing an infringement notice........................................ 115
134B...................... Matters to be included in an infringement notice............. 116
134C...................... Amount of penalty.......................................................... 117
134D..................... Effect of compliance with an infringement notice........... 121
134E...................... Effect of failure to comply with an infringement notice.. 122
134F...................... Infringement notice compliance period for infringement notice 122
134G..................... Withdrawal of an infringement notice............................. 123
Division 6—Search, seizure and entry 125
Subdivision A—Powers of inspectors 125
135........................ Inspector may enter premises.......................................... 125
135A..................... Search‑related powers of inspectors............................... 126
135B...................... Inspector may ask questions and seek production of documents 128
135C...................... Failure to answer questions or produce documents........ 128
135D..................... Persons assisting inspectors........................................... 129
135E...................... Use of force in executing a search warrant..................... 130
135F...................... Announcement before entry under warrant..................... 130
135G..................... Inspector must be in possession of search warrant......... 131
Subdivision B—Obligations of inspectors 131
135H..................... Consent........................................................................... 131
135J....................... Details of search warrant etc. must be given to the occupier of the premises 131
Subdivision C—Occupier’s etc. rights and responsibilities 132
135K...................... Occupier etc. entitled to observe execution of search warrant 132
135L...................... Occupier etc. to provide inspector etc. with facilities and assistance 132
135M..................... Receipts for seized consumer goods and equipment....... 133
135N..................... Return of seized consumer goods and equipment........... 133
135P...................... Judge may permit consumer goods or equipment to be retained 134
Subdivision D—Provisions relating to seizure 135
135Q..................... Recovery of reasonable costs of seizing consumer goods or equipment 135
135R...................... Destruction or disposal of seized consumer goods or equipment 135
Subdivision E—Embargo notices 136
135S...................... Embargo notices............................................................. 136
135T...................... Embargo period for embargo notices.............................. 138
135U..................... Multiple embargo notices for the same consumer goods or product related services 139
135V..................... Power of inspectors to secure consumer goods.............. 139
135W..................... Power of inspectors to secure equipment used to supply product related services 139
135X..................... Consent to supply etc. embargoed consumer goods etc.. 140
135Y..................... Compliance with embargo notices.................................. 140
Subdivision F—Issue of search warrants 141
135Z...................... Issue of search warrants................................................. 141
136........................ Search warrants by telephone, fax etc............................. 142
136A..................... Offence relating to warrants by telephone, fax etc.......... 144
Subdivision G—Miscellaneous 145
136B...................... Powers of judges............................................................ 145
Division 7—Remedies 146
137........................ Limit on occupational liability......................................... 146
137A..................... Contributory acts or omissions to reduce compensation in defective goods actions 147
137B...................... Reduction of the amount of loss or damage if the claimant fails to take reasonable care 148
137C...................... Limits on recovery of amounts for death or personal injury 148
137D..................... Compensation orders etc. arising out of unfair contract terms 149
137E...................... Limits on compensation orders etc. for death or personal injury 150
137F...................... Court may make orders for the purpose of preserving money or other property held by a person 151
137G..................... Compliance with orders made under section 137F......... 154
137H..................... Findings and admissions of fact in proceedings to be evidence 154
Division 8—Jurisdictional matters 156
138........................ Conferring jurisdiction on the Federal Court.................. 156
138A..................... Conferring jurisdiction on the Federal Circuit Court....... 156
138B...................... Conferring jurisdiction on State and Territory Courts..... 157
138C...................... Transfer of matters by the Federal Court........................ 157
138D..................... Transfer of matters by a State or Territory court............. 158
138E...................... Transfer of proceedings to Family Court........................ 159
Division 9—Miscellaneous 162
139........................ Intervention by the Commission..................................... 162
139A..................... Terms excluding consumer guarantees from supplies of recreational services 162
139B...................... Conduct of directors, employees or agents of bodies corporate 163
139C...................... Conduct of employees or agents of persons other than bodies corporate 164
139D..................... Enforcement and recovery of certain fines...................... 165
139DA.................. Application of section 229 of the Australian Consumer Law to a person other than a body corporate 166
139E...................... Cessation of enforcement orders etc............................... 167
139F...................... Compensation for acquisition of property....................... 168
139G..................... Regulations..................................................................... 168
Part XIAA—Application of the Australian Consumer Law as a law of a State or Territory 171
140........................ Definitions...................................................................... 171
140A..................... Object of this Part........................................................... 172
140B...................... The applied Australian Consumer Law........................... 173
140C...................... Federal Court may exercise jurisdiction under application laws of Territories 173
140D..................... Exercise of jurisdiction under cross‑vesting provisions.. 173
140E...................... Commonwealth consent to conferral of functions etc. on Commonwealth entities 173
140F...................... How duty is imposed...................................................... 174
140G..................... When an application law imposes a duty........................ 175
140H..................... Application laws may operate concurrently with this Act 175
140J....................... No doubling‑up of liabilities........................................... 175
140K...................... References in instruments to the Australian Consumer Law 176
Part XIA—The Competition Code 177
150A..................... Definitions...................................................................... 177
150B...................... Objects of this Part......................................................... 178
150C...................... The Competition Code.................................................... 178
150D..................... Federal Court may exercise jurisdiction under application laws of Territories 179
150E...................... Exercise of jurisdiction under cross‑vesting provisions.. 179
150F...................... Commonwealth consent to conferral of functions etc. on Commonwealth entities 179
150FA................... How duty is imposed...................................................... 180
150FB................... When an application law imposes a duty........................ 181
150G..................... Application laws may operate concurrently with this Act 181
150H..................... No doubling‑up of liabilities........................................... 181
150I....................... References in instruments to the Competition Code........ 182
150J....................... Authorisations etc. under this Act may relate also to Competition Code 182
150K...................... Gazettal of jurisdictions that excessively modify the Code 182
Part XIB—The Telecommunications Industry: Anti‑competitive conduct and record‑keeping rules 183
Division 1—Introduction 183
151AA.................. Simplified outline............................................................ 183
151AB................... Definitions...................................................................... 184
151AC................... Extension to external Territories..................................... 186
151AD.................. Continuity of partnerships.............................................. 186
151AE................... Additional operation of Part............................................ 186
151AF................... Telecommunications market............................................ 187
151AG.................. When a body corporate is related to a partnership........... 187
151AH.................. Degree of power in a telecommunications market........... 188
151AI.................... Interpretation of Part IV or VII not affected by this Part 190
Division 2—Anti‑competitive conduct 191
151AJ.................... Anti‑competitive conduct................................................ 191
151AK................... The competition rule....................................................... 194
Division 3—Competition notices and exemption orders 195
Subdivision A—Competition notices 195
151AKA................ Part A competition notices.............................................. 195
151AL................... Part B competition notices.............................................. 196
151AM.................. Competition notice to be given to carrier or carriage service provider 197
151AN.................. Evidentiary effect of competition notice.......................... 197
151AO.................. Duration of Part A competition notice............................ 197
151AOA............... Variation of competition notice....................................... 198
151AOB................ Revocation of competition notice.................................... 198
151AP................... Guidelines....................................................................... 198
151AQ.................. Commission to act expeditiously.................................... 199
151AQA............... Stay of proceedings relating to competition notices........ 199
151AQB................ Advisory notices............................................................. 200
151AR................... Register of competition notices....................................... 201
Subdivision B—Exemption orders 202
151AS................... Exemption orders............................................................ 202
151AT................... Form of application......................................................... 202
151AU.................. Further information......................................................... 203
151AV.................. Withdrawal of application............................................... 203
151AW.................. Commission must publicise receipt of applications......... 203
151AX.................. Commission may refuse to consider application if it relates to the same conduct as an authorisation application........................................................................................ 203
151AY.................. Commission may refuse to consider application if it relates to the same conduct as a Part VII notification........................................................................................ 204
151AZ................... Commission may convene conference to discuss application.. 205
151BA................... Commission must grant or reject application.................. 205
151BB................... Commission to give opportunity for submissions.......... 205
151BC................... Criteria for making exemption order............................... 205
151BD................... Notification of decision................................................... 207
151BE................... Duration of exemption order may be limited................... 207
151BF................... Conditions of exemption order....................................... 207
151BG................... Revocation of exemption order....................................... 207
151BH................... Register of exemption orders.......................................... 208
Subdivision C—Miscellaneous 209
151BJ.................... Conduct includes proposed conduct............................... 209
Division 6—Record‑keeping rules and disclosure directions 210
151BU................... Commission may make record‑keeping rules................. 210
151BUAA............. Minister may give directions to Commission.................. 212
151BUAB............. Request for disclosure.................................................... 213
151BUA................ Commission gives access to reports............................... 213
151BUB................ Carrier or carriage service provider gives access to reports 217
151BUC................ Carrier or carriage service provider gives access to periodic reports 220
151BUD................ Exemption of reports from access requirements............. 223
151BUDA............. Commission gives access to Ministerially‑directed reports 224
151BUDB............. Carrier or carriage service provider gives access to Ministerially‑directed reports 226
151BUDC............. Carrier or carriage service provider gives access to Ministerially‑directed periodic reports 228
151BUE................ Access via the internet.................................................... 231
151BUF................ Self‑incrimination........................................................... 231
151BV................... Incorrect records............................................................. 232
Division 7—Enforcement of the competition rule, record‑keeping rules and disclosure directions 233
151BW.................. Person involved in a contravention of the competition rule, a record‑keeping rule or a disclosure direction........................................................................................ 233
151BX................... Pecuniary penalties for breach of the competition rule, a record‑keeping rule or a disclosure direction 233
151BY................... Civil action for recovery of pecuniary penalties.............. 235
151BZ................... Criminal proceedings not to be brought for contraventions of the competition rule, record‑keeping rules or disclosure directions....................................................... 236
151CA................... Injunctions...................................................................... 236
151CB................... Orders to disclose information or publish an advertisement—breach of the competition rule 238
151CC................... Actions for damages—breach of the competition rule.... 239
151CD................... Finding of fact in proceedings to be evidence................. 239
151CE................... Other orders—compensation for breach of the competition rule 240
151CF................... Conduct by directors, employees or agents..................... 242
Division 8—Disclosure of documents by Commission 243
151CG................... Disclosure of documents by Commission...................... 243
Division 9—Treatment of partnerships 245
151CH................... Treatment of partnerships............................................... 245
Division 10—Review of decisions 246
151CI.................... Review by Tribunal........................................................ 246
151CJ.................... Functions and powers of Tribunal.................................. 247
151CK................... Provisions that do not apply in relation to a Tribunal review 248
Division 11—Reviews of competitive safeguards within the telecommunications industry 249
151CL................... Reviews of competitive safeguards within the telecommunications industry 249
Division 12—Monitoring of telecommunications charges paid by consumers 250
151CM.................. Monitoring of telecommunications charges paid by consumers 250
Division 12A—Reports about competition in the telecommunications industry 251
151CMA............... Public reports about competition in the telecommunications industry 251
151CMB............... Confidential reports about competition in the telecommunications industry 252
151CMC............... Examples of matters that may be specified in a determination under section 151CMA or 151CMB 252
Division 15—Voluntary undertakings given by Telstra 254
151CQ................... Voluntary undertakings given by Telstra........................ 254
Division 16—NBN corporations 255
151DA.................. Authorised conduct—subsection 51(1).......................... 255
151DB................... Listed points of interconnection...................................... 260
Part XIC—Telecommunications access regime 261
Division 1—Introduction 261
152AA.................. Simplified outline............................................................ 261
152AB................... Object of this Part........................................................... 263
152AC................... Definitions...................................................................... 265
152AD.................. This Part binds the Crown.............................................. 269
152AE................... Extension to external Territories..................................... 269
152AF................... Access............................................................................ 269
152AG.................. Access seeker................................................................. 270
152AGA............... Designated superfast telecommunications network......... 270
152AH.................. Reasonableness—terms and conditions.......................... 274
152AI.................... When public inquiry commences.................................... 275
152AJ.................... Interpretation of Part IIIA not affected by this Part......... 275
152AK................... Operation of Parts IV and VII not affected by this Part.. 275
Division 2—Declared services 276
152AL................... Declared services............................................................ 276
152ALA................ Duration of declaration................................................... 281
152AM.................. Inquiries about proposals to declare services.................. 284
152AN.................. Combined inquiries about proposals to declare services. 285
152AO.................. Variation or revocation of declaration............................. 286
152AQ.................. Register of declared services........................................... 286
152AQC................ Compensation for acquisition of property....................... 287
Division 3—Standard access obligations 288
Subdivision A—Category A standard access obligations 288
152AR................... Category A standard access obligations.......................... 288
152ARA................ Layer 2 bitstream services to be supplied on a non‑discriminatory basis 292
152ARB................ Layer 2 bitstream services—carriers and carriage service providers to carry on related activities on a non‑discriminatory basis................................................. 294
152ASA................ Anticipatory class exemptions from category A standard access obligations 295
152ATA................ Anticipatory individual exemptions from category A standard access obligations 297
152AU.................. Individual exemptions—request for further information. 301
152AXA............... Statement of reasons for decision—specification of documents 302
Subdivision B—Category B standard access obligations 302
152AXB................ Category B standard access obligations.......................... 302
152AXC................ NBN corporation to supply declared services on a non‑discriminatory basis 305
152AXD............... NBN corporation to carry on related activities on a non‑discriminatory basis 306
Subdivision C—Compliance with standard access obligations 307
152AY.................. Compliance with standard access obligations................. 307
152AYA............... Ancillary obligations—confidential information............. 308
152AZ................... Carrier licence condition................................................. 309
152BA................... Service provider rule....................................................... 310
152BB................... Judicial enforcement of standard access obligations....... 310
152BBAA............. Judicial enforcement of conditions and limitations of exemption determinations and orders 312
152BBA................ Commission may give directions in relation to negotiations 312
152BBB................ Enforcement of directions............................................... 314
152BBC................ Commission’s role in negotiations.................................. 315
152BBD................ Reaching agreement on terms and conditions of access.. 316
Division 4—Access determinations 317
Subdivision A—Commission may make access determinations 317
152BC................... Access determinations.................................................... 317
152BCA................ Matters that the Commission must take into account...... 319
152BCB................ Restrictions on access determinations............................. 320
152BCC................ Access agreements prevail over inconsistent access determinations 324
152BCCA............. Final migration plan prevails over inconsistent access determinations 324
152BCD................ Fixed principles provisions............................................. 325
152BCE................. Access determinations may be set out in the same document 327
152BCF................. Duration of access determination.................................... 327
152BCG................ Interim access determinations......................................... 331
152BCGA............. Stay of access determinations......................................... 332
Subdivision B—Public inquiries about proposals to make access determinations 332
152BCH................ Access determination to be made after public inquiry..... 332
152BCI.................. When public inquiry must be held.................................. 332
152BCJ................. Combined inquiries about proposals to make access determinations 335
152BCK................ Time limit for making an access determination............... 336
Subdivision C—Variation or revocation of access determinations 337
152BCN................ Variation or revocation of access determinations............ 337
Subdivision D—Compliance with access determinations 339
152BCO................ Carrier licence condition................................................. 339
152BCP................. Service provider rule....................................................... 339
Subdivision E—Private enforcement of access determinations 339
152BCQ................ Private enforcement of access determinations................. 339
152BCR................ Consent injunctions........................................................ 340
152BCS................. Interim injunctions.......................................................... 340
152BCT................. Factors relevant to granting a restraining injunction........ 340
152BCU................ Factors relevant to granting a mandatory injunction........ 341
152BCV................ Discharge or variation of injunction or other order......... 341
Subdivision F—Register of Access Determinations 341
152BCW............... Register of Access Determinations................................. 341
Division 4A—Binding rules of conduct 343
Subdivision A—Commission may make binding rules of conduct 343
152BD................... Binding rules of conduct................................................. 343
152BDAA............. Matters that the Commission must take into account...... 344
152BDA................ Restrictions on binding rules of conduct......................... 346
152BDB................ Access agreements prevail over inconsistent binding rules of conduct 350
152BDC................ Duration of binding rules of conduct.............................. 350
152BDCA............. Final migration plan prevails over inconsistent binding rules of conduct 350
152BDD................ Commission must give copy of binding rules of conduct to carrier etc. 350
152BDE................ Access determinations that are inconsistent with binding rules of conduct 351
152BDEA............. Stay of binding rules of conduct..................................... 351
Subdivision B—Compliance with binding rules of conduct 351
152BDF................ Carrier licence condition................................................. 351
152BDG................ Service provider rule....................................................... 351
Subdivision C—Private enforcement of binding rules of conduct 352
152BDH................ Private enforcement of binding rules of conduct............. 352
152BDI................. Consent injunctions........................................................ 353
152BDJ................. Interim injunctions.......................................................... 353
152BDK................ Factors relevant to granting a restraining injunction........ 353
152BDL................ Factors relevant to granting a mandatory injunction........ 354
152BDM............... Discharge or variation of injunction or other order......... 354
Subdivision D—Register of Binding Rules of Conduct 354
152BDN................ Register of Binding Rules of Conduct............................ 354
Division 4B—Access agreements 356
152BE................... Access agreements.......................................................... 356
152BEA................ Quarterly reports about access agreements..................... 358
152BEB................. Commission may request copy of access agreement or variation agreement 359
152BEBA.............. NBN corporation to give the Commission a statement about the differences between an access agreement and a standard form of access agreement............................... 360
152BEBB.............. NBN corporation to give the Commission a statement about the differences between an access agreement and a special access undertaking............................................ 361
152BEBC.............. NBN corporation to give the Commission a statement about the differences between an access agreement and an access determination................................................... 363
152BEBD.............. Register of NBN Access Agreement Statements............ 364
152BEBE.............. Layer 2 bitstream services—carrier or carriage service provider to give the Commission a statement about the differences between an access agreement and a special access undertaking 365
152BEBF.............. Layer 2 bitstream services—carrier or carriage service provider to give the Commission a statement about the differences between an access agreement and an access determination 367
152BEBG.............. Register of Layer 2 Bitstream Access Agreement Statements 369
152BEC................. Carrier licence condition................................................. 369
152BED................ Service provider rule....................................................... 370
Division 5—Access undertakings 371
Subdivision B—Special access undertakings 371
152CBA................ What is a special access undertaking?............................ 371
152CBAA............. Fixed principles terms and conditions............................. 374
152CBB................ Further information about undertaking........................... 378
152CBC................ Commission to accept or reject access undertaking......... 379
152CBCA............. Serial undertakings......................................................... 382
152CBD................ Criteria for accepting access undertaking........................ 382
152CBDA............. Variation of special access undertaking.......................... 385
152CBE................. Extension of access undertaking..................................... 385
152CBF................. Duration of access undertaking....................................... 387
152CBG................ Variation of access undertakings.................................... 387
152CBH................ Further information about variation of access undertaking 389
152CBI.................. Voluntary withdrawal of undertaking............................. 390
152CBIA............... Special access undertakings prevail over inconsistent access determinations 390
152CBIB............... Special access undertakings prevail over inconsistent binding rules of conduct 391
152CBIC............... Access agreements prevail over special access undertakings 391
152CBJ................. Proposed service............................................................. 391
Subdivision C—General provisions 391
152CC................... Register of access undertakings...................................... 391
152CD................... Enforcement of access undertakings............................... 392
152CDA................ Deferral of consideration of an access undertaking etc... 392
Division 6—Ministerial pricing determinations 393
152CH................... Ministerial pricing determinations................................... 393
152CI.................... Undertakings, access determinations and binding rules of conduct that are inconsistent with Ministerial pricing determinations................................................................. 393
152CJ.................... Register of Ministerial pricing determinations................ 394
Division 6A—Supply of services by NBN corporations 395
152CJA................. Supply of services by NBN corporations....................... 395
152CJB................. Mandatory NBN services............................................... 396
152CJC................. Carrier licence condition................................................. 398
152CJD................. Service provider rule....................................................... 398
152CJE.................. Judicial enforcement of obligations................................. 398
152CJF.................. Standard form of access agreement................................. 399
152CJG................. When NBN corporation is not capable of supplying a carriage service 399
Division 6B—Explanatory material relating to anti‑discrimination provisions 400
152CJH................. Explanatory material relating to anti‑discrimination provisions 400
Division 7—Relationship between this Part and Part IIIA 401
152CK................... Relationship between this Part and Part IIIA.................. 401
Division 10—Hindering the fulfilment of a standard access obligation etc. 402
152EF.................... Prohibition on hindering the fulfilment of a standard access obligation etc. 402
152EG................... Enforcement of prohibition on hindering the fulfilment of a standard access obligation etc. 402
152EH................... Consent injunctions........................................................ 403
152EI..................... Interim injunctions.......................................................... 403
152EJ.................... Factors relevant to granting a restraining injunction........ 404
152EK................... Factors relevant to granting a mandatory injunction........ 404
152EL.................... Discharge or variation of injunction or other order......... 404
Division 10A—Procedural Rules 405
152ELA................. Procedural Rules............................................................. 405
152ELC................. Plan for the development of Procedural Rules................ 406
Division 11—Miscellaneous 407
152ELD................. Compensation for acquisition of property....................... 407
152EM.................. Continuity of partnerships.............................................. 407
152EN................... Treatment of partnerships............................................... 407
152EO................... Conduct by directors, servants or agents........................ 408
152EP.................... Regulations about fees for inspection etc. of registers.... 409
152EQ................... Assistance to independent telecommunications adjudicator 409
152ER................... Voluntary undertakings given by Telstra........................ 410
Part XID—Search and seizure 411
Division 1—Preliminary 411
154........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 411
154A..................... Definitions...................................................................... 411
Division 2—Appointment of inspectors and identity cards 414
154B...................... Appointment of inspectors.............................................. 414
154C...................... Identity cards.................................................................. 414
Division 3—Entry to premises with consent 416
154D..................... Entry with consent.......................................................... 416
154E...................... Powers in relation to premises........................................ 416
154F...................... Operation of electronic equipment at premises................ 417
Division 4—Entry to premises under a search warrant 419
Subdivision A—Powers available under a search warrant 419
154G..................... The things that are authorised by a search warrant.......... 419
154GA.................. Removing things for examination or processing............. 420
154H..................... Operation of electronic equipment at premises................ 421
154J....................... Securing electronic equipment for use by experts........... 423
Subdivision B—Availability of assistance and use of force in executing a search warrant 424
154K...................... Authorisation of officers assisting.................................. 424
154L...................... Availability of assistance and use of force in executing a search warrant 424
Subdivision C—Obligations of executing officer and officers assisting 425
154M..................... Announcement before entry............................................ 425
154N..................... Details of warrant to be given to occupier....................... 425
Subdivision D—Occupier’s rights and responsibilities 425
154P...................... Occupier entitled to observe search being conducted...... 425
154Q..................... Occupier to provide reasonable facilities and assistance. 426
154R...................... Answering of questions or producing evidential material 426
154RA................... Person with computer knowledge to assist access etc..... 427
Subdivision E—General provisions relating to seizure 428
154S...................... Copies of seized things to be provided........................... 428
154T...................... Receipts for things seized or moved under warrant........ 428
154U..................... Return of seized things................................................... 428
154V..................... Magistrate may permit a thing to be retained................... 429
154W..................... Disposal of things if there is no owner or owner cannot be located 430
Subdivision F—Search warrants 430
154X..................... Issue of search warrants................................................. 430
154Y..................... Search warrants by telephone, fax etc............................. 432
154Z...................... Offences relating to warrants.......................................... 434
Subdivision G—Powers of magistrates 435
154ZA................... Powers conferred on magistrates.................................... 435
Division 5—General provisions relating to electronic equipment 436
154ZB................... Operation of electronic equipment at premises................ 436
154ZC................... Compensation for damage to electronic equipment......... 436
Part XII—Miscellaneous 438
155........................ Power to obtain information, documents and evidence... 438
155AAA............... Protection of certain information..................................... 443
155AA.................. Protection of Part VB information.................................. 450
155A..................... Power to obtain information and documents in New Zealand relating to trans‑Tasman markets 451
155B...................... Australian Competition and Consumer Commission may receive information and documents on behalf of New Zealand Commerce Commission............................ 451
156........................ Inspection of documents by Commission....................... 453
157........................ Disclosure of documents by Commission...................... 453
157A..................... Disclosure of energy‑related information by Commission 456
157AA.................. Disclosure of CDR‑related information by Commission 457
157B...................... Disclosure of protected cartel information to a court or tribunal 459
157C...................... Disclosure of protected cartel information to a party to court proceedings etc. 462
157D..................... General powers of a court............................................... 464
158........................ Protection of members of Tribunal, counsel and witnesses 465
159........................ Incriminating answers..................................................... 465
160........................ Failure of witness to attend............................................. 466
161........................ Refusal to be sworn or to answer questions................... 466
162........................ Contempt........................................................................ 467
162A..................... Intimidation etc............................................................... 468
163........................ Prosecutions................................................................... 468
163A..................... Declarations and orders.................................................. 470
165........................ Inspection of, furnishing of copies of, and evidence of, documents 473
166........................ Certificates as to furnishing of particulars to Commission 475
167........................ Judicial notice................................................................. 475
170........................ Legal and financial assistance......................................... 476
171........................ Annual report by Commission........................................ 477
171A..................... Charges by the Commission........................................... 478
171B...................... Division 3 of Part IIIA does not confer judicial power on the Commission 479
172........................ Regulations..................................................................... 479
173........................ Authorisation for the purposes of subsection 51(1)........ 481
Part XIII—Application and transitional provisions relating to the competition provisions 482
Division 1—Cartel conduct 482
174........................ Definitions...................................................................... 482
175........................ Giving effect after the commencement time to a cartel provision in existence before that time 482
176........................ Proceedings relating to price‑fixing contraventions taking place before the commencement time 482
177........................ Authorisations in force before the commencement time.. 483
178........................ Notifications in force before the commencement time..... 484
Division 2—Application of amendments made by the Competition and Consumer Legislation Amendment Act 2011 485
179........................ Amendments of section 50............................................. 485
Division 3—Application of amendments made by the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Competition Policy Review) Act 2017 486
180........................ Definitions...................................................................... 486
181........................ Amendment of the definition of competition................... 486
182........................ Orders under section 87.................................................. 486
183........................ Authorisations under section 88..................................... 486
184........................ Notices under section 93................................................. 488
185........................ Merger clearances and authorisations............................. 489
Division 4—Application of amendment made by the Treasury Laws Amendment (2018 Measures No. 5) Act 2019 493
186........................ Application of repeal of subsection 51(3)....................... 493
Part X—International liner cargo shipping
Division 1—Preliminary
10.01 Objects of Part
(1) The principal objects of this Part are:
(a) to ensure that Australian exporters have continued access to outwards liner cargo shipping services of adequate frequency and reliability at freight rates that are internationally competitive; and
(b) to promote conditions in the international liner cargo shipping industry that encourage stable access to export markets for exporters in all States and Territories; and
(c) to ensure that efficient Australian flag shipping is not unreasonably hindered from normal commercial participation in any outwards liner cargo shipping trade; and
(d) as far as practicable, to extend to Australian importers in each State and Territory the protection given by this Part to Australian exporters.
(2) It is the intention of the Parliament that the principal objects of this Part should be achieved:
(a) by permitting continued conference operations while enhancing the competitive environment for international liner cargo shipping services through the provision of adequate and appropriate safeguards against abuse of conference power, particularly by:
(i) enacting additional restrictive trade practice provisions applying to ocean carriers;
(ii) requiring conference agreements to meet certain minimum standards;
(iii) making conference agreements generally publicly available;
(iv) permitting only partial and conditional exemption from restrictive trade practice prohibitions; and
(v) requiring conferences to take part in negotiations with representative shipper bodies;
(b) through increased reliance on private commercial and legal processes and a reduced level of government regulation of routine commercial matters; and
(c) by the exercise of jurisdiction, consistent with international law:
(i) over ocean carriers who have a substantial connection with Australia because they provide international liner cargo shipping services; and
(ii) to enable remedies for contravention of the provisions of this Part to be enforced within Australia.
10.01A Simplified outline
The following is a simplified outline of this Part:
• This Part sets up a system for regulating international liner cargo shipping services.
• The main components of that system are as follows:
(a) registration of conference agreements;
(b) regulation of non‑conference ocean carriers with substantial market power;
(c) regulation of unfair pricing practices;
(d) registration of agents of ocean carriers.
• The parties to a conference agreement relating to international liner cargo shipping services may apply for the registration of the agreement.
• If the conference agreement is registered, the parties will be given partial and conditional exemptions from:
(a) sections 45AF, 45AG, 45AJ and 45AK (cartel conduct); and
(b) section 45 (contracts etc. that restrict dealings or affect competition); and
(c) section 47 (exclusive dealing).
• The parties to a registered conference agreement are required to negotiate with, and provide information to, representative shipper bodies.
• The Commission may investigate whether grounds exist for the Minister to deregister a conference agreement.
• The main ground for deregistration is a breach by the parties to the agreement of requirements imposed on them by this Part.
10.02 Interpretation
(1) In this Part, unless the contrary intention appears:
agreement means any contract, agreement, arrangement or understanding, whether made in or outside Australia.
ancillary service, in relation to a scheduled cargo shipping service, means:
(a) an inter‑terminal transport service; or
(b) a stevedoring service; or
(c) a service provided outside Australia;
that:
(d) relates to the cargo transported, or to be transported, on the scheduled cargo shipping service; and
(e) is provided by, or on behalf of, the provider of the scheduled cargo shipping service.
association includes a body corporate.
Australian exporter means a person who exports goods from Australia.
Australian flag shipping operator means a person who:
(a) is an Australian citizen or a body corporate incorporated by or under the law of the Commonwealth or of a State or Territory;
(b) provides, or proposes to provide, shipping services; and
(c) normally uses, or proposes normally to use, in providing the services only:
(i) a ship that is registered in Australia; or
(ii) 2 or more ships, all or most of which are registered in Australia.
Australian importer means a person who imports goods into Australia.
authorised officer means an officer of the Department who is authorised, in writing, by the Minister for the purposes of this Part.
conference means an unincorporated association of 2 or more ocean carriers carrying on 2 or more businesses each of which includes, or is proposed to include, the provision of outwards liner cargo shipping services or inwards liner cargo shipping services.
conference agreement means:
(a) an outwards conference agreement; or
(b) an inwards conference agreement.
designated inwards peak shipper body means an association specified in a notice under subsection 10.03(2A).
designated inwards secondary shipper body means an association specified in a notice under subsection 10.03(2B).
designated inwards shipper body means:
(a) a designated inwards peak shipper body; or
(b) a designated inwards secondary shipper body.
designated outwards peak shipper body means an association specified in a notice under subsection 10.03(1).
designated outwards secondary shipper body means an association specified in a notice under subsection 10.03(2).
designated outwards shipper body means:
(a) a designated outwards peak shipper body; or
(b) a designated outwards secondary shipper body.
designated port area means the area within the limits of a port appointed under section 15 of the Customs Act 1901, being the limits fixed under that section.
designated secondary shipper body means:
(a) a designated outwards secondary shipper body; or
(b) a designated inwards secondary shipper body.
designated shipper body means:
(a) a designated outwards shipper body; or
(b) a designated inwards shipper body.
exemption order means an order under section 10.72A.
freight rate agreement means a conference agreement that consists of or includes freight rate charges.
freight rate charges:
(a) in relation to an outwards conference agreement—means those parts of the conference agreement that specify freight rates (including base freight rates, surcharges, rebates and allowances) for outwards liner cargo shipping services; and
(b) in relation to an inwards conference agreement—means those parts of the conference agreement that specify freight rates (including base freight rates, surcharges, rebates and allowances) for inwards liner cargo shipping services.
handling cargo includes a service that is related to handling of cargo.
inland terminal has the meaning given by section 10.02A.
international liner cargo shipping service means:
(a) an outwards liner cargo shipping service; or
(b) an inwards liner cargo shipping service.
inter‑terminal transport service means a service for the transport of various types of general cargo:
(a) from an inland terminal to a port terminal; or
(b) from a port terminal to an inland terminal; or
(c) from a port terminal to another port terminal;
and includes the handling of the cargo within any of those terminals.
inwards conference agreement means an agreement between members of a conference in relation to inwards liner cargo shipping services provided, or proposed to be provided, by them, and includes an inwards varying conference agreement.
inwards liner cargo shipping service means an inwards scheduled cargo shipping service and, if the inwards scheduled cargo shipping service is part of a terminal‑to‑terminal service, includes an ancillary service that relates to the inwards scheduled cargo shipping service.
inwards loyalty agreement means an agreement:
(a) between an ocean carrier or conference and a shipper or designated inwards shipper body; and
(b) that makes provision, in relation to inwards liner cargo shipping services, having the purpose or effect of giving certain benefits to the shipper, or a shipper represented by the designated inwards shipper body, if the shipper ships with the ocean carrier, or members of the conference:
(i) all or particular cargo, or a particular portion of all or particular cargo, shipped by the shipper; or
(ii) a particular quantity of cargo or of particular cargo.
inwards scheduled cargo shipping service means a scheduled cargo shipping service where the transport of the cargo by sea commences from a place outside Australia and ends at a place in Australia.
inwards varying conference agreement means an agreement:
(a) that varies an inwards conference agreement; or
(b) that otherwise affects an inwards conference agreement (including an agreement referred to in subsection (4)).
loyalty agreement means:
(a) an outwards loyalty agreement; or
(b) an inwards loyalty agreement.
ocean carrier means a person who provides, or proposes to provide, international liner cargo shipping services.
outwards conference agreement means an agreement between members of a conference in relation to outwards liner cargo shipping services provided, or proposed to be provided, by them, and includes an outwards varying conference agreement.
outwards liner cargo shipping service means an outwards scheduled cargo shipping service and, if the outwards scheduled cargo shipping service is part of a terminal‑to‑terminal service, includes an ancillary service that relates to the outwards scheduled cargo shipping service.
outwards loyalty agreement means an agreement:
(a) between an ocean carrier or conference and a shipper or designated outwards shipper body; and
(b) that makes provision, in relation to outwards liner cargo shipping services, having the purpose or effect of giving certain benefits to the shipper, or a shipper represented by the designated outwards shipper body, if the shipper ships with the ocean carrier, or members of the conference:
(i) all or particular cargo, or a particular portion of all or particular cargo, shipped by the shipper; or
(ii) a particular quantity of cargo or of particular cargo.
outwards scheduled cargo shipping service means a scheduled cargo shipping service where the transport of the cargo by sea commences from a place in Australia and ends at a place outside Australia.
outwards varying conference agreement means an agreement:
(a) that varies an outwards conference agreement; or
(b) that otherwise affects an outwards conference agreement (including an agreement referred to in subsection (3)).
port terminal means:
(a) the area within the limits of a wharf appointed under section 15 of the Customs Act 1901, being the limits fixed under that section; or
(b) a terminal facility within the limits of a designated port area.
pricing practice means the fixing, controlling or maintaining by an ocean carrier of prices charged for, or the giving or allowing by an ocean carrier of discounts, allowances, rebates or credits in relation to, outwards liner cargo shipping services or inwards liner cargo shipping services provided by the ocean carrier.
provisionally registered conference agreement means a conference agreement that is provisionally registered