Federal Register of Legislation - Australian Government

Primary content

Competition and Consumer Act 2010

Authoritative Version
  • - C2020C00241
  • In force - Superseded Version
  • View Series
Act No. 51 of 1974 as amended, taking into account amendments up to Treasury Laws Amendment (2019 Measures No. 3) Act 2020
An Act relating to competition, fair trading and consumer protection, and for other purposes
Administered by: Attorney-General's; Treasury; Industry, Science, Energy and Resources; Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications
Registered 04 Aug 2020
Start Date 01 Jul 2020
End Date 24 Aug 2020
Table of contents.

Commonwealth Coat of Arms of Australia

Competition and Consumer Act 2010

No. 51, 1974

Compilation No. 128

Compilation date:                              1 July 2020

Includes amendments up to:            Act No. 64, 2020

Registered:                                         4 August 2020

This compilation is in 3 volumes

Volume 1:       sections 1–110

Volume 2:       sections 10.01–186

Volume 3:       Schedules

                        Endnotes

Each volume has its own contents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This compilation includes commenced amendments made by Act No. 47, 2020

 

About this compilation

This compilation

This is a compilation of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 1 July 2020 (the compilation date).

The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.

Uncommenced amendments

The effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Legislation Register (www.legislation.gov.au). The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. For more information on any uncommenced amendments, see the series page on the Legislation Register for the compiled law.

Application, saving and transitional provisions for provisions and amendments

If the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes.

Editorial changes

For more information about any editorial changes made in this compilation, see the endnotes.

Modifications

If the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. For more information on any modifications, see the series page on the Legislation Register for the compiled law.

Self‑repealing provisions

If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.

  

  

  


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............................... 214

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............. 224

151BUDA............. Commission gives access to Ministerially‑directed reports 225

151BUDB............. Carrier or carriage service provider gives access to Ministerially‑directed reports   227

151BUDC............. Carrier or carriage service provider gives access to Ministerially‑directed periodic reports     229

151BUE................ Access via the internet.................................................... 232

151BUF................ Self‑incrimination........................................................... 232

151BV................... Incorrect records............................................................. 233

Division 7—Enforcement of the competition rule, record‑keeping rules and disclosure directions       234

151BW.................. Person involved in a contravention of the competition rule, a record‑keeping rule or a disclosure direction........................................................................................ 234

151BX................... Pecuniary penalties for breach of the competition rule, a record‑keeping rule or a disclosure direction   234

151BY................... Civil action for recovery of pecuniary penalties.............. 236

151BZ................... Criminal proceedings not to be brought for contraventions of the competition rule, record‑keeping rules or disclosure directions....................................................... 237

151CA................... Injunctions...................................................................... 237

151CB................... Orders to disclose information or publish an advertisement—breach of the competition rule  239

151CC................... Actions for damages—breach of the competition rule.... 240

151CD................... Finding of fact in proceedings to be evidence................. 240

151CE................... Other orders—compensation for breach of the competition rule              241

151CF................... Conduct by directors, employees or agents..................... 243

Division 8—Disclosure of documents by Commission                             244

151CG................... Disclosure of documents by Commission...................... 244

Division 9—Treatment of partnerships                                                          246

151CH................... Treatment of partnerships............................................... 246

Division 10—Review of decisions                                                                       247

151CI.................... Review by Tribunal........................................................ 247

151CJ.................... Functions and powers of Tribunal.................................. 248

151CK................... Provisions that do not apply in relation to a Tribunal review 249

Division 11—Reviews of competitive safeguards within the telecommunications industry        250

151CL................... Reviews of competitive safeguards within the telecommunications industry           250

Division 12—Monitoring of telecommunications charges paid by consumers   251

151CM.................. Monitoring of telecommunications charges paid by consumers               251

Division 12A—Reports about competition in the telecommunications industry               252

151CMA............... Public reports about competition in the telecommunications industry      252

151CMB............... Confidential reports about competition in the telecommunications industry             253

151CMC............... Examples of matters that may be specified in a determination under section 151CMA or 151CMB       253

Division 15—Voluntary undertakings given by Telstra                        255

151CQ................... Voluntary undertakings given by Telstra........................ 255

Division 16—NBN corporations                                                                         256

151DA.................. Authorised conduct—subsection 51(1).......................... 256

151DB................... Listed points of interconnection...................................... 261

Part XIC—Telecommunications access regime                                               262

Division 1—Introduction                                                                                        262

152AA.................. Simplified outline............................................................ 262

152AB................... Object of this Part........................................................... 264

152AC................... Definitions...................................................................... 266

152AD.................. This Part binds the Crown.............................................. 269

152AE................... Extension to external Territories..................................... 270

152AF................... Access............................................................................ 270

152AG.................. Access seeker................................................................. 270

152AH.................. Reasonableness—terms and conditions.......................... 271

152AI.................... When public inquiry commences.................................... 272

152AJ.................... Interpretation of Part IIIA not affected by this Part......... 272

152AK................... Operation of Parts IV and VII not affected by this Part.. 272

Division 2—Declared services                                                                             273

152AL................... Declared services............................................................ 273

152ALA................ Duration of declaration................................................... 278

152AM.................. Inquiries about proposals to declare services.................. 281

152AN.................. Combined inquiries about proposals to declare services. 281

152AO.................. Variation or revocation of declaration............................. 282

152AQ.................. Register of declared services........................................... 282

152AQC................ Compensation for acquisition of property....................... 283

Division 3—Standard access obligations                                                        284

Subdivision A—Category A standard access obligations                            284

152AR................... Category A standard access obligations.......................... 284

152ASA................ Anticipatory class exemptions from category A standard access obligations           288

152ATA................ Anticipatory individual exemptions from category A standard access obligations   291

152AU.................. Individual exemptions—request for further information. 295

152AXA............... Statement of reasons for decision—specification of documents               296

Subdivision B—Category B standard access obligations                            296

152AXB................ Category B standard access obligations.......................... 296

152AXC................ NBN corporation to supply declared services on a non‑discriminatory basis          299

152AXD............... NBN corporation to carry on related activities on a non‑discriminatory basis          300

Subdivision C—Compliance with standard access obligations                  301

152AY.................. Compliance with standard access obligations................. 301

152AYA............... Ancillary obligations—confidential information............. 302

152AZ................... Carrier licence condition................................................. 303

152BA................... Service provider rule....................................................... 303

152BB................... Judicial enforcement of standard access obligations....... 304

152BBAA............. Judicial enforcement of conditions and limitations of exemption determinations and orders    305

152BBA................ Commission may give directions in relation to negotiations 306

152BBB................ Enforcement of directions............................................... 308

152BBC................ Commission’s role in negotiations.................................. 308

152BBD................ Reaching agreement on terms and conditions of access.. 309

Division 4—Access determinations                                                                   310

Subdivision A—Commission may make access determinations                310

152BC................... Access determinations.................................................... 310

152BCA................ Matters that the Commission must take into account...... 312

152BCB................ Restrictions on access determinations............................. 313

152BCC................ Access agreements prevail over inconsistent access determinations         316

152BCCA............. Final migration plan prevails over inconsistent access determinations     316

152BCCB.............. Statutory infrastructure provider standards and rules prevail over inconsistent access determinations     317

152BCD................ Fixed principles provisions............................................. 317

152BCE................. Access determinations may be set out in the same document 319

152BCF................. Duration of access determination.................................... 319

152BCG................ Interim access determinations......................................... 323

152BCGA............. Stay of access determinations......................................... 324

Subdivision B—Public inquiries about proposals to make access determinations        324

152BCH................ Access determination to be made after public inquiry..... 324

152BCI.................. When public inquiry must be held.................................. 325

152BCJ................. Combined inquiries about proposals to make access determinations        328

152BCK................ Time limit for making an access determination............... 328

Subdivision C—Variation or revocation of access determinations          329

152BCN................ Variation or revocation of access determinations............ 329

Subdivision D—Compliance with access determinations                             331

152BCO................ Carrier licence condition................................................. 331

152BCP................. Service provider rule....................................................... 331

Subdivision E—Private enforcement of access determinations                 331

152BCQ................ Private enforcement of access determinations................. 331

152BCR................ Consent injunctions........................................................ 332

152BCS................. Interim injunctions.......................................................... 333

152BCT................. Factors relevant to granting a restraining injunction........ 333

152BCU................ Factors relevant to granting a mandatory injunction........ 333

152BCV................ Discharge or variation of injunction or other order......... 333

Subdivision F—Register of Access Determinations                                       334

152BCW............... Register of Access Determinations................................. 334

Division 4A—Binding rules of conduct                                                           335

Subdivision A—Commission may make binding rules of conduct            335

152BD................... Binding rules of conduct................................................. 335

152BDAA............. Matters that the Commission must take into account...... 336

152BDA................ Restrictions on binding rules of conduct......................... 338

152BDB................ Access agreements prevail over inconsistent binding rules of conduct    341

152BDC................ Duration of binding rules of conduct.............................. 341

152BDCA............. Final migration plan prevails over inconsistent binding rules of conduct 341

152BDCB............. Statutory infrastructure provider standards and rules prevail over inconsistent binding rules of conduct........................................................................................ 342

152BDD................ Commission must give copy of binding rules of conduct to carrier etc.   342

152BDE................ Access determinations that are inconsistent with binding rules of conduct              342

152BDEA............. Stay of binding rules of conduct..................................... 342

Subdivision B—Compliance with binding rules of conduct                        343

152BDF................ Carrier licence condition................................................. 343

152BDG................ Service provider rule....................................................... 343

Subdivision C—Private enforcement of binding rules of conduct            343

152BDH................ Private enforcement of binding rules of conduct............. 343

152BDI................. Consent injunctions........................................................ 344

152BDJ................. Interim injunctions.......................................................... 344

152BDK................ Factors relevant to granting a restraining injunction........ 345

152BDL................ Factors relevant to granting a mandatory injunction........ 345

152BDM............... Discharge or variation of injunction or other order......... 345

Subdivision D—Register of Binding Rules of Conduct                                 345

152BDN................ Register of Binding Rules of Conduct............................ 345

Division 4B—Access agreements                                                                       347

152BE................... Access agreements.......................................................... 347

152BEA................ Quarterly reports about access agreements..................... 349

152BEB................. Commission may request copy of access agreement or variation agreement            350

152BEBA.............. NBN corporation to give the Commission a statement about the differences between an access agreement and a standard form of access agreement............................... 351

152BEBB.............. NBN corporation to give the Commission a statement about the differences between an access agreement and a special access undertaking............................................ 352

152BEBC.............. NBN corporation to give the Commission a statement about the differences between an access agreement and an access determination................................................... 354

152BEBD.............. Register of NBN Access Agreement Statements............ 355

152BEBH.............. Statutory infrastructure provider standards prevail over inconsistent access agreements         356

152BEBI............... Statutory infrastructure provider rules prevail over inconsistent access agreements 356

152BEC................. Carrier licence condition................................................. 357

152BED................ Service provider rule....................................................... 357

Division 5—Access undertakings                                                                       358

Subdivision B—Special access undertakings                                                  358

152CBA................ What is a special access undertaking?............................ 358

152CBAA............. Fixed principles terms and conditions............................. 361

152CBB................ Further information about undertaking........................... 365

152CBC................ Commission to accept or reject access undertaking......... 366

152CBCA............. Serial undertakings......................................................... 369

152CBD................ Criteria for accepting access undertaking........................ 369

152CBDA............. Variation of special access undertaking.......................... 372

152CBE................. Extension of access undertaking..................................... 372

152CBF................. Duration of access undertaking....................................... 374

152CBG................ Variation of access undertakings.................................... 374

152CBH................ Further information about variation of access undertaking 376

152CBI.................. Voluntary withdrawal of undertaking............................. 377

152CBIA............... Special access undertakings prevail over inconsistent access determinations           377

152CBIB............... Special access undertakings prevail over inconsistent binding rules of conduct       378

152CBIC............... Access agreements prevail over special access undertakings 378

152CBID............... Statutory infrastructure provider standards and rules prevail over inconsistent special access undertakings........................................................................................ 378

152CBJ................. Proposed service............................................................. 378

Subdivision C—General provisions                                                                  378

152CC................... Register of access undertakings...................................... 378

152CD................... Enforcement of access undertakings............................... 379

152CDA................ Deferral of consideration of an access undertaking etc... 379

Division 6—Ministerial pricing determinations                                          381

152CH................... Ministerial pricing determinations................................... 381

152CI.................... Undertakings, access determinations and binding rules of conduct that are inconsistent with Ministerial pricing determinations................................................................. 381

152CJ.................... Register of Ministerial pricing determinations................ 382

Division 6A—Supply of services by NBN corporations                         383

152CJA................. Supply of services by NBN corporations....................... 383

152CJB................. Mandatory NBN services............................................... 384

152CJC................. Carrier licence condition................................................. 386

152CJD................. Service provider rule....................................................... 386

152CJE.................. Judicial enforcement of obligations................................. 386

152CJF.................. Standard form of access agreement................................. 387

152CJG................. When NBN corporation is not capable of supplying a carriage service    387

Division 6B—Explanatory material relating to anti‑discrimination provisions                388

152CJH................. Explanatory material relating to anti‑discrimination provisions                388

Division 7—Relationship between this Part and Part IIIA                  389

152CK................... Relationship between this Part and Part IIIA.................. 389

Division 10—Hindering the fulfilment of a standard access obligation etc.        390

152EF.................... Prohibition on hindering the fulfilment of a standard access obligation etc.             390

152EG................... Enforcement of prohibition on hindering the fulfilment of a standard access obligation etc.    390

152EH................... Consent injunctions........................................................ 391

152EI..................... Interim injunctions.......................................................... 391

152EJ.................... Factors relevant to granting a restraining injunction........ 392

152EK................... Factors relevant to granting a mandatory injunction........ 392

152EL.................... Discharge or variation of injunction or other order......... 392

Division 10A—Procedural Rules                                                                        393

152ELA................. Procedural Rules............................................................. 393

152ELC................. Plan for the development of Procedural Rules................ 394

Division 11—Miscellaneous                                                                                   395

152ELD................. Compensation for acquisition of property....................... 395

152EM.................. Continuity of partnerships.............................................. 395

152EN................... Treatment of partnerships............................................... 395

152EO................... Conduct by directors, servants or agents........................ 396

152EP.................... Regulations about fees for inspection etc. of registers.... 397

152EQ................... Assistance to independent telecommunications adjudicator 397

152ER................... Voluntary undertakings given by Telstra........................ 398

Part XICA—The Electricity Industry                                                                   399

Division 1—Preliminary                                                                                          399

153A..................... Simplified outline of this Part......................................... 399

153B...................... Part etc. ceases to be in force.......................................... 399

153C...................... Interpretation................................................................... 400

153D..................... Meaning of connected body corporate in relation to prohibited conduct  401

Division 2—Prohibited conduct                                                                           402

153E...................... Prohibited conduct—retail pricing.................................. 402

153F...................... Prohibited conduct—electricity financial contract liquidity 402

153G..................... Prohibited conduct—electricity spot market (basic case) 403

153H..................... Prohibited conduct—electricity spot market (aggravated case) 403

153J....................... Prohibited conduct—purpose......................................... 404

153K...................... Prohibited conduct may be covered by other provisions. 404

Division 3—Commission responses                                                                   405

Subdivision A—Public warning notices                                                            405

153L...................... Commission may give draft public warning notice......... 405

153M..................... Commission may issue public warning notice................ 406

Subdivision B—Infringement notices                                                               406

153N..................... Infringement notices....................................................... 406

Division 4—Procedure before contracting order or divestiture order  408

Subdivision A—Prohibited conduct notices                                                     408

153P...................... Prohibited conduct notices.............................................. 408

153Q..................... Commission may vary or revoke prohibited conduct notice 409

Subdivision B—Prohibited conduct recommendations and no Treasurer action notices            411

153R...................... Commission must give Treasurer prohibited conduct recommendation or no Treasurer action notice     411

153S...................... Prohibited conduct recommendations............................. 412

153T...................... Commission may vary or revoke prohibited conduct recommendation    413

153U..................... No Treasurer action notice.............................................. 415

153V..................... Commission may vary or revoke no Treasurer action notice 415

Division 5—Contracting orders                                                                          418

Subdivision A—Treasurer may make contracting orders                          418

153W..................... Conditions for making contracting order........................ 418

153X..................... Treasurer may make contracting order............................ 419

153Y..................... Variation and revocation of contracting order................. 420

Subdivision B—Enforcement of contracting orders                                     422

153Z...................... Enforcement of contracting orders.................................. 422

Division 6—Electricity divestiture orders                                                     423

153ZA................... Treasurer may apply to Federal Court for divestiture order 423

153ZB................... Making of divestiture order............................................ 424

153ZBA................ Arrangements or undertakings in relation to employees. 426

Division 7—Miscellaneous                                                                                     428

153ZC................... Acquisition of property................................................... 428

153ZD................... No orders under subsection 76(1) against certain individuals  428

Part XID—Search and seizure                                                                                  429

Division 1—Preliminary                                                                                          429

154........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 429

154A..................... Definitions...................................................................... 429

Division 2—Appointment of inspectors and identity cards                  432

154B...................... Appointment of inspectors.............................................. 432

154C...................... Identity cards.................................................................. 432

Division 3—Entry to premises with consent                                                 434

154D..................... Entry with consent.......................................................... 434

154E...................... Powers in relation to premises........................................ 434

154F...................... Operation of electronic equipment at premises................ 435

Division 4—Entry to premises under a search warrant                        437

Subdivision A—Powers available under a search warrant                         437

154G..................... The things that are authorised by a search warrant.......... 437

154GA.................. Removing things for examination or processing............. 438

154H..................... Operation of electronic equipment at premises................ 439

154J....................... Securing electronic equipment for use by experts........... 441

Subdivision B—Availability of assistance and use of force in executing a search warrant        442

154K...................... Authorisation of officers assisting.................................. 442

154L...................... Availability of assistance and use of force in executing a search warrant 442

Subdivision C—Obligations of executing officer and officers assisting  443

154M..................... Announcement before entry............................................ 443

154N..................... Details of warrant to be given to occupier....................... 443

Subdivision D—Occupier’s rights and responsibilities                                 443

154P...................... Occupier entitled to observe search being conducted...... 443

154Q..................... Occupier to provide reasonable facilities and assistance. 444

154R...................... Answering of questions or producing evidential material 444

154RA................... Person with computer knowledge to assist access etc..... 445

Subdivision E—General provisions relating to seizure                               446

154S...................... Copies of seized things to be provided........................... 446

154T...................... Receipts for things seized or moved under warrant........ 446

154U..................... Return of seized things................................................... 446

154V..................... Magistrate may permit a thing to be retained................... 447

154W..................... Disposal of things if there is no owner or owner cannot be located         448

Subdivision F—Search warrants                                                                        448

154X..................... Issue of search warrants................................................. 448

154Y..................... Search warrants by telephone, fax etc............................. 450

154Z...................... Offences relating to warrants.......................................... 452

Subdivision G—Powers of magistrates                                                            453

154ZA................... Powers conferred on magistrates.................................... 453

Division 5—General provisions relating to electronic equipment    454

154ZB................... Operation of electronic equipment at premises................ 454

154ZC................... Compensation for damage to electronic equipment......... 454

Part XII—Miscellaneous                                                                                                456

155........................ Power to obtain information, documents and evidence... 456

155AAA............... Protection of certain information..................................... 462

155AA.................. Protection of Part VB information.................................. 468

155A..................... Power to obtain information and documents in New Zealand relating to trans‑Tasman markets              469

155B...................... Australian Competition and Consumer Commission may receive information and documents on behalf of New Zealand Commerce Commission............................ 470

156........................ Inspection of documents by Commission....................... 471

157........................ Disclosure of documents by Commission...................... 472

157A..................... Disclosure of energy‑related information by Commission 474

157AA.................. Disclosure of CDR‑related information by Commission 475

157B...................... Disclosure of protected cartel information to a court or tribunal               477

157C...................... Disclosure of protected cartel information to a party to court proceedings etc.         480

157D..................... General powers of a court............................................... 482

158........................ Protection of members of Tribunal, counsel and witnesses 483

159........................ Incriminating answers..................................................... 484

160........................ Failure of witness to attend............................................. 484

161........................ Refusal to be sworn or to answer questions................... 485

162........................ Contempt........................................................................ 485

162A..................... Intimidation etc............................................................... 486

163........................ Prosecutions................................................................... 487

163A..................... Declarations and orders.................................................. 488

165........................ Inspection of, furnishing of copies of, and evidence of, documents         491

166........................ Certificates as to furnishing of particulars to Commission 493

167........................ Judicial notice................................................................. 493

170........................ Legal and financial assistance......................................... 494

171........................ Annual report by Commission........................................ 495

171A..................... Charges by the Commission........................................... 496

171B...................... Division 3 of Part IIIA does not confer judicial power on the Commission            497

172........................ Regulations..................................................................... 497

173........................ Authorisation for the purposes of subsection 51(1).