Contents
Part I—Preliminary 1
1............................ Short title............................................................................ 1
2............................ Object of this Act................................................................ 1
2A......................... Application of Act to Commonwealth and Commonwealth authorities 1
2B.......................... Application of Act to States and Territories........................ 2
2BA....................... Application of Part IV to local government bodies............. 2
2C.......................... Activities that are not business............................................ 3
3............................ Repeal................................................................................. 4
4............................ Interpretation....................................................................... 5
4A......................... Subsidiary, holding and related bodies corporate.............. 19
4B.......................... Consumers........................................................................ 22
4C.......................... Acquisition, supply and re‑supply.................................... 22
4E.......................... Market.............................................................................. 23
4F.......................... References to purpose or reason....................................... 23
4G......................... Lessening of competition to include preventing or hindering competition 24
4H......................... Application of Act in relation to leases and licences of land and buildings 24
4J........................... Joint ventures.................................................................... 24
4K.......................... Loss or damage to include injury...................................... 25
4KA....................... Definitions etc. that do not apply in Part XI or Schedule 2 25
4L.......................... Severability....................................................................... 25
4M......................... Saving of law relating to restraint of trade and breaches of confidence 25
4N......................... Extended application of Part IIIA..................................... 26
5............................ Extended application of this Act to conduct outside Australia 26
6............................ Extended application of this Act to persons who are not corporations 27
6AA...................... Application of the Criminal Code..................................... 35
Part II—The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission 36
6A......................... Establishment of Commission.......................................... 36
7............................ Constitution of Commission............................................. 37
8............................ Terms and conditions of appointment............................... 37
8A......................... Associate members........................................................... 37
8AB....................... AER members taken to be associate members.................. 39
9............................ Remuneration.................................................................... 39
10.......................... Deputy Chairpersons........................................................ 40
11.......................... Acting Chairperson........................................................... 40
12.......................... Leave of absence............................................................... 41
13.......................... Termination of appointment of members of the Commission.. 41
14.......................... Termination of appointment of associate members of the Commission 42
15.......................... Resignation....................................................................... 43
16.......................... Arrangement of business.................................................. 43
17.......................... Disclosure of interests by Chairperson............................. 43
17A....................... Disclosure of certain interests by members of the Commission when taking part in determinations of matters.......................................................................................... 43
18.......................... Meetings of Commission.................................................. 44
19.......................... Chairperson may direct Commission to sit in Divisions... 45
25.......................... Delegation by Commission............................................... 47
26.......................... Delegation by Commission of certain functions and powers 47
27.......................... Staff of Commission......................................................... 49
27A....................... Consultants....................................................................... 49
28.......................... Functions of Commission in relation to dissemination of information, law reform and research 49
29.......................... Commission to comply with directions of Minister and requirements of the Parliament 51
Part IIA—The National Competition Council 52
29A....................... Establishment of Council.................................................. 52
29B........................ Functions and powers of Council..................................... 52
29BA..................... Commonwealth consent to conferral of functions etc. on Council 53
29BB..................... How duty is imposed........................................................ 54
29BC..................... When a State/Territory energy law imposes a duty........... 55
29C........................ Membership of Council.................................................... 55
29D....................... Terms and conditions of office......................................... 55
29E........................ Acting Council President.................................................. 56
29F........................ Remuneration of Councillors............................................ 56
29G....................... Leave of absence............................................................... 56
29H....................... Termination of appointment of Councillors...................... 57
29I......................... Resignation of Councillors............................................... 57
29J......................... Arrangement of Council business..................................... 57
29L........................ Council meetings.............................................................. 58
29LA..................... Resolutions without meetings........................................... 58
29M....................... Staff to help Council......................................................... 59
29N....................... Consultants....................................................................... 59
29O....................... Annual report.................................................................... 59
Part III—The Australian Competition Tribunal 61
30.......................... Constitution of Tribunal.................................................... 61
31.......................... Qualifications of members of Tribunal............................. 61
31A....................... Appointment of Judge as presidential member of Tribunal not to affect tenure etc. 61
32.......................... Terms and conditions of appointment............................... 62
33.......................... Remuneration and allowances of members of Tribunal.... 62
34.......................... Acting appointments......................................................... 62
35.......................... Suspension and removal of members of Tribunal............. 64
36.......................... Resignation....................................................................... 64
37.......................... Constitution of Tribunal for particular matters.................. 65
38.......................... Validity of determinations................................................. 65
39.......................... President may give directions........................................... 65
40.......................... Disclosure of interests by members of Tribunal............... 65
41.......................... Presidential member to preside......................................... 66
42.......................... Decision of questions....................................................... 66
43.......................... Member of Tribunal ceasing to be available...................... 66
43A....................... Counsel assisting Tribunal................................................ 67
43B........................ Consultants....................................................................... 67
44.......................... Staff of Tribunal............................................................... 68
44A....................... Acting appointments......................................................... 68
Part IIIAA—The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) 69
Division 1—Preliminary 69
44AB..................... Definitions........................................................................ 69
44AC..................... This Part binds the Crown................................................ 69
44AD.................... Extra‑territorial operation.................................................. 69
Division 2—Establishment of the AER 71
44AE..................... Establishment of the AER................................................. 71
44AF..................... AER to hold money and property on behalf of the Commonwealth 71
44AG.................... Constitution of the AER................................................... 71
Division 3—Functions and powers of the AER 72
44AH.................... Commonwealth functions................................................. 72
44AI...................... Commonwealth consent to conferral of functions etc. on AER 72
44AIA................... No merits review of AER decisions................................. 73
44AJ...................... How duty is imposed........................................................ 73
44AK..................... When a State/Territory energy law etc. imposes a duty..... 75
44AL..................... Powers of the AER........................................................... 75
Division 4—Administrative provisions relating to the AER 76
Subdivision A—Appointment etc. of members 76
44AM.................... Appointment of Commonwealth AER members.............. 76
44AO.................... Acting appointment of Commonwealth AER member...... 76
44AP..................... Appointment of State/Territory AER members................. 77
44AQ.................... Acting appointment of State/Territory AER member........ 77
44AR..................... AER Chair........................................................................ 78
44ARA.................. AER Deputy Chair........................................................... 78
44ARB.................. AER Deputy Chair to act as the AER Chair..................... 79
44AS..................... Acting AER Deputy Chair................................................ 79
44AT..................... Remuneration of AER members....................................... 80
44AU.................... Additional remuneration of AER Chair............................ 80
44AV.................... Leave of absence............................................................... 80
44AW.................... Other terms and conditions............................................... 81
44AX.................... Outside employment......................................................... 81
44AY.................... Disclosure of interests...................................................... 81
44AZ..................... Resignation....................................................................... 82
44AAB.................. Termination of appointment.............................................. 82
Subdivision B—Staff etc. to assist the AER 83
44AAC.................. Staff etc. to assist the AER............................................... 83
Subdivision C—Meetings of the AER etc. 83
44AAD................. Meetings........................................................................... 83
44AAE.................. Resolutions without meetings........................................... 84
44AAEA............... Arbitration........................................................................ 84
Subdivision CA—Divisions of the AER 85
44AAEB............... Divisions of the AER—functions and powers under a law of the Commonwealth 85
44AAEC............... Divisions of the AER—functions and powers under a State/Territory energy law or a local energy instrument.......................................................................................... 87
Subdivision D—Miscellaneous 89
44AAF.................. Confidentiality.................................................................. 89
44AAFA............... Power of AER to obtain information and documents....... 91
44AAFB............... Failure to comply with notice to give information etc. is an offence 92
44AAFC............... AER may inspect, copy and retain documents.................. 93
44AAG................. Federal Court may make certain orders............................. 94
44AAGA.............. Federal Court may order disconnection if an event specified in the National Electricity Rules occurs 95
44AAH................. Delegation by the AER..................................................... 96
44AAI................... Fees.................................................................................. 96
44AAK.................. Regulations may deal with transitional matters................. 96
Part IIIAB—Application of the finance law 98
44AAL.................. Application of the finance law.......................................... 98
Part IIIA—Access to services 99
Division 1—Preliminary 99
44AA.................... Objects of Part.................................................................. 99
44B........................ Definitions........................................................................ 99
44C........................ How this Part applies to partnerships and joint ventures 103
44CA..................... Meaning of declaration criteria...................................... 104
44D....................... Meaning of designated Minister..................................... 105
44DA.................... The principles in the Competition Principles Agreement have status as guidelines 106
44E........................ This Part binds the Crown.............................................. 107
Division 2—Declared services 108
Subdivision A—Recommendation by the Council 108
44F........................ Person may request recommendation.............................. 108
44FA..................... Council may request information.................................... 110
44G....................... Criteria for the Council recommending declaration of a service 111
44GA.................... Time limit for Council recommendations........................ 111
44GB..................... Council may invite public submissions on the application 113
44GC..................... Council must publish its recommendation...................... 115
Subdivision B—Declaration by the designated Minister 116
44H....................... Designated Minister may declare a service..................... 116
44HA.................... Designated Minister must publish his or her decision.... 116
44I......................... Duration and effect of declaration................................... 117
44J......................... Revocation of declaration................................................ 118
44K........................ Review of declaration..................................................... 119
44KA..................... Tribunal may stay operation of declaration..................... 120
44KB..................... Tribunal may order costs be awarded............................. 122
44L........................ Review of decision not to revoke a declaration............... 123
Division 2AA—Services that are ineligible to be declared 125
Subdivision A—Scope of Division 125
44LA..................... Constitutional limits on operation of this Division.......... 125
Subdivision B—Ineligibility recommendation by Council 125
44LB..................... Ineligibility recommendation........................................... 125
44LC..................... Council may request information.................................... 127
44LD..................... Time limit for Council recommendations........................ 128
44LE...................... Council may invite public submissions on the application 130
44LF...................... Council must publish its recommendation...................... 131
Subdivision C—Designated Minister’s decision on ineligibility 132
44LG..................... Designated Minister’s decision on ineligibility............... 132
44LH..................... Designated Minister must publish his or her decision.... 134
Subdivision D—Revocation of ineligibility decision 134
44LI....................... Revocation of ineligibility decision................................. 134
Subdivision E—Review of decisions 136
44LJ...................... Review of ineligibility decisions..................................... 136
44LK..................... Review of decision to revoke or not revoke an ineligibility decision 138
Subdivision F—Other matters 140
44LL...................... Ineligibility decisions subject to alteration, cancellation etc. 140
Division 2A—Effective access regimes 141
Subdivision A—Recommendation by Council 141
44M....................... Recommendation for a Ministerial decision on effectiveness of access regime 141
44MA.................... Council may request information.................................... 142
Subdivision B—Decision by Commonwealth Minister 142
44N....................... Ministerial decision on effectiveness of access regime... 142
Subdivision C—Extensions of Commonwealth Minister’s decision 144
44NA.................... Recommendation by Council.......................................... 144
44NAA................. Council may request information.................................... 145
44NB..................... Decision by the Commonwealth Minister....................... 145
Subdivision CA—Revocation of Commonwealth Minister’s decision 146
44NBA.................. Recommendation by Council.......................................... 146
44NBB.................. Council may request information.................................... 148
44NBC.................. Decision by the Commonwealth Minister....................... 149
Subdivision D—Procedural provisions 149
44NC..................... Time limit for Council recommendations........................ 149
44NE..................... Council may invite public submissions........................... 152
44NF..................... Publication—Council...................................................... 154
44NG.................... Publication—Commonwealth Minister........................... 155
Subdivision E—Review of decisions 156
44O....................... Review of Ministerial decision on effectiveness of access regime 156
Subdivision F—State or Territory ceasing to be a party to Competition Principles Agreement 157
44P........................ State or Territory ceasing to be a party to Competition Principles Agreement 157
Division 2B—Competitive tender processes for government owned facilities 159
44PA..................... Approval of competitive tender process.......................... 159
44PAA.................. Commission may request information............................ 160
44PB..................... Report on conduct of tender process............................... 161
44PC..................... Revocation of approval decision..................................... 161
44PD..................... Time limit for Commission decisions............................. 163
44PE...................... Commission may invite public submissions................... 165
44PF...................... Commission must publish its decisions.......................... 166
44PG..................... Review of Commission’s initial decision........................ 167
44PH..................... Review of decision to revoke an approval...................... 169
Division 2C—Register of decisions and declarations 171
44Q....................... Register of decisions, declarations and ineligibility decisions 171
Division 3—Access to declared services 172
Subdivision A—Scope of Division 172
44R........................ Constitutional limits on operation of this Division.......... 172
Subdivision B—Notification of access disputes 172
44S........................ Notification of access disputes........................................ 172
44T........................ Withdrawal of notifications............................................. 173
Subdivision C—Arbitration of access disputes 173
44U....................... Parties to the arbitration.................................................. 173
44V....................... Determination by Commission....................................... 173
44W....................... Restrictions on access determinations............................. 175
44X....................... Matters that the Commission must take into account...... 177
44XA.................... Time limit for Commission’s final determination............ 178
44Y....................... Commission may terminate arbitration in certain cases... 179
44YA.................... Commission must terminate arbitration if declaration varied or set aside by Tribunal 180
Subdivision D—Procedure in arbitrations 180
44Z........................ Constitution of Commission for conduct of arbitration... 180
44ZA..................... Member of the Commission presiding at an arbitration.. 180
44ZB..................... Reconstitution of Commission........................................ 181
44ZC..................... Determination of questions............................................. 181
44ZD..................... Hearing to be in private................................................... 181
44ZE...................... Right to representation.................................................... 182
44ZF...................... Procedure of Commission.............................................. 182
44ZG..................... Particular powers of Commission................................... 183
44ZH..................... Power to take evidence on oath or affirmation................ 184
44ZI....................... Failing to attend as a witness.......................................... 184
44ZJ...................... Failing to answer questions etc....................................... 184
44ZK..................... Intimidation etc............................................................... 185
44ZL...................... Party may request Commission to treat material as confidential 185
44ZM.................... Sections 18 and 19 do not apply to the Commission in an arbitration 186
44ZN..................... Parties to pay costs of an arbitration............................... 186
44ZNA.................. Joint arbitration hearings................................................. 186
Subdivision DA—Arbitration reports 188
44ZNB.................. Arbitration reports.......................................................... 188
Subdivision E—Effect of determinations 190
44ZO..................... Operation of final determinations.................................... 190
44ZOA.................. Effect and duration of interim determinations................. 191
Subdivision F—Review of final determinations 192
44ZP...................... Review by Tribunal........................................................ 192
44ZQ..................... Provisions that do not apply in relation to a Tribunal review 193
44ZR..................... Appeals to Federal Court from determinations of the Tribunal 193
44ZS...................... Operation and implementation of a determination that is subject to appeal 194
44ZT...................... Transmission of documents............................................ 195
Subdivision G—Variation and revocation of determinations 195
44ZU..................... Variation of final determinations..................................... 195
44ZUA.................. Variation and revocation of interim determinations......... 195
Division 4—Registered contracts for access to declared services 196
44ZV..................... Constitutional limits on operation of this Division.......... 196
44ZW.................... Registration of contract................................................... 196
44ZX..................... Review of decision not to register contract..................... 197
44ZY..................... Effect of registration of contract...................................... 198
Division 5—Hindering access to declared services 199
44ZZ...................... Prohibition on hindering access to declared services...... 199
Division 6—Access undertakings and access codes for services 200
Subdivision A—Giving of access undertakings and access codes 200
44ZZA................... Access undertakings by providers.................................. 200
44ZZAAA............. Proposed amendments to access undertakings................ 202
44ZZAAB............. Access undertakings containing fixed principles............ 204
44ZZAA................ Access codes prepared by industry bodies..................... 206
44ZZAB................ Commission may rely on industry body consultations... 208
Subdivision B—Effect of access undertakings and access codes 209
44ZZBA................ When access undertakings and access codes come into operation 209
Subdivision C—Extensions of access undertakings and access codes 210
44ZZBB................ Extensions of access undertakings and access codes...... 210
Subdivision D—Procedural provisions 212
44ZZBC................ Time limit for Commission decisions............................. 212
44ZZBCA............. Commission may request information............................ 214
44ZZBD................ Commission may invite public submissions................... 214
44ZZBE................. Commission must publish its decisions.......................... 216
Subdivision E—Review of decisions 217
44ZZBF................. Review of decisions........................................................ 217
Subdivision F—Register of access undertakings and access codes 219
44ZZC................... Register of access undertakings and access codes.......... 219
Division 6A—Pricing principles for access disputes and access undertakings or codes 220
44ZZCA................ Pricing principles for access disputes and access undertakings or codes 220
Division 6B—Overlap among determinations, registered contracts, access undertakings and Tribunal review 221
44ZZCB................ Deferring access disputes or access undertakings........... 221
44ZZCBA............. Deferral of arbitration if review is underway.................. 223
44ZZCC................ Overlap between determinations and access undertakings 224
44ZZCD................ Overlap between registered contracts and access undertakings 224
Division 7—Enforcement and remedies 226
44ZZD................... Enforcement of determinations....................................... 226
44ZZE................... Enforcement of prohibition on hindering access............. 227
44ZZF................... Consent injunctions........................................................ 228
44ZZG................... Interim injunctions.......................................................... 228
44ZZH................... Factors relevant to granting a restraining injunction........ 228
44ZZI.................... Factors relevant to granting a mandatory injunction........ 228
44ZZJ.................... Enforcement of access undertakings............................... 229
44ZZK................... Discharge or variation of injunction or other order......... 229
Division 8—Miscellaneous 230
44ZZL................... Register of determinations.............................................. 230
44ZZM.................. Commonwealth consent to conferral of functions etc. on the Commission or Tribunal by State or Territory laws................................................................................ 230
44ZZMAA............ No merits review by Tribunal of decisions under energy laws 231
44ZZMA............... How duty is imposed...................................................... 231
44ZZMB............... When a law of a State or Territory imposes a duty......... 232
44ZZN................... Compensation for acquisition of property....................... 233
44ZZNA................ Operation of Parts IV and VII not affected by this Part.. 233
44ZZO................... Conduct by directors, servants or agents........................ 233
44ZZOAAA.......... Information to be given to Tribunal................................ 235
44ZZOAA............. Tribunal only to consider particular material................... 237
44ZZOA................ Time limit for Tribunal decisions.................................... 238
44ZZP................... Regulations about review by the Tribunal....................... 241
44ZZQ................... Regulations about fees for inspection etc. of registers.... 241
44ZZR................... Procedure of the Tribunal when performing functions under a State/Territory energy law or a designated Commonwealth energy law............................................ 241
Part IV—Restrictive trade practices 243
Division 1—Cartel conduct 243
Subdivision A—Introduction 243
45AA.................... Simplified outline............................................................ 243
45AB..................... Definitions...................................................................... 243
45AC..................... Extended meaning of party............................................. 245
45AD.................... Cartel provisions............................................................. 245
45AE..................... Meaning of expressions in other provisions of this Act. 251
Subdivision B—Offences etc. 252
45AF..................... Making a contract etc. containing a cartel provision........ 252
45AG.................... Giving effect to a cartel provision................................... 253
45AH.................... Determining guilt............................................................ 254
45AI...................... Court may make related civil orders................................ 254
Subdivision C—Civil penalty provisions 254
45AJ...................... Making a contract etc. containing a cartel provision........ 254
45AK..................... Giving effect to a cartel provision................................... 255
Subdivision D—Exceptions 255
45AL..................... Conduct notified............................................................. 255
45AM.................... Cartel provision subject to grant of authorisation............ 256
45AN.................... Contracts, arrangements or understandings between related bodies corporate 256
45AO.................... Joint ventures—prosecution........................................... 257
45AP..................... Joint ventures—civil penalty proceedings....................... 258
45AQ.................... Resale price maintenance................................................ 259
45AR..................... Exclusive dealing............................................................ 259
45AS..................... Dual listed company arrangement................................... 260
45AT..................... Acquisition of shares or assets....................................... 261
45AU.................... Collective acquisition of goods or services by the parties to a contract, arrangement or understanding 261
Division 2—Other provisions 263
45.......................... Contracts, arrangements or understandings that restrict dealings or affect competition 263
45D....................... Secondary boycotts for the purpose of causing substantial loss or damage 267
45DA.................... Secondary boycotts for the purpose of causing substantial lessening of competition 268
45DB..................... Boycotts affecting trade or commerce............................. 268
45DC..................... Involvement and liability of employee organisations...... 269
45DD.................... Situations in which boycotts permitted........................... 271
45E........................ Prohibition of contracts, arrangements or understandings affecting the supply or acquisition of goods or services........................................................................... 275
45EA..................... Provisions contravening section 45E not to be given effect 278
45EB..................... Sections 45D to 45EA do not affect operation of other provisions of Part 279
46.......................... Misuse of market power................................................. 279
46A....................... Misuse of market power—corporation with substantial degree of power in trans‑Tasman market 281
46B........................ No immunity from jurisdiction in relation to certain New Zealand laws 283
47.......................... Exclusive dealing............................................................ 284
48.......................... Resale price maintenance................................................ 290
49.......................... Dual listed company arrangements that affect competition 290
50.......................... Prohibition of acquisitions that would result in a substantial lessening of competition 292
50A....................... Acquisitions that occur outside Australia........................ 294
51.......................... Exceptions...................................................................... 296
51AAA................. Concurrent operation of State and Territory laws........... 301
Part IVB—Industry codes 302
Division 1—Preliminary 302
51ACA.................. Definitions...................................................................... 302
Division 2—Contravention of industry codes 304
51ACB.................. Contravention of industry codes..................................... 304
Division 2A—Infringement notices 305
51ACC.................. Purpose and effect of this Division................................. 305
51ACD.................. Issuing an infringement notice........................................ 305
51ACE.................. Matters to be included in an infringement notice............. 306
51ACF.................. Amount of penalty.......................................................... 306
51ACG.................. Effect of compliance with an infringement notice........... 307
51ACH.................. Effect of failure to comply with an infringement notice.. 307
51ACI................... Infringement notice compliance period for infringement notice 308
51ACJ................... Withdrawal of an infringement notice............................. 308
Division 3—Public warning notices 311
51ADA................. Commission may issue a public warning notice............. 311
Division 4—Orders to redress loss or damage suffered by non‑parties etc. 312
51ADB.................. Orders to redress loss or damage suffered by non‑parties etc. 312
51ADC.................. Kinds of orders that may be made to redress loss or damage suffered by non‑parties etc. 314
Division 5—Investigation power 316
51ADD................. Commission may require corporation to provide information 316
51ADE.................. Extending periods for complying with notices................ 316
51ADF.................. Compliance with notices................................................. 317
51ADG................. False or misleading information etc................................ 317
Division 6—Miscellaneous 319
51AE..................... Regulations relating to industry codes............................ 319
51AEA.................. Concurrent operation of State and Territory laws........... 319
Part IVBA—News media and digital platforms mandatory bargaining code 320
Division 1—Basic concepts 320
52A....................... Definitions...................................................................... 320
52B........................ Making content available................................................ 322
52C........................ Interacting with content................................................... 322
52D....................... Distributing content........................................................ 323
Division 2—Designated digital platform corporation and designated digital platform services 325
52E........................ Minister may make designation determination................ 325
Division 3—Registered news businesses and registered news business corporations 327
52F........................ Application for registration of news business and news business corporation 327
52G....................... Registration of news business and news business corporation 327
52H....................... Revocation of registration or endorsement—general...... 328
52I......................... Revocation of registration or endorsement—false or misleading information or documents 330
52J......................... Obligation on registered news business corporation to notify ACMA of loss of qualification for registration........................................................................................ 330
52K........................ Adding or removing news source from registered news business 331
52L........................ Requirements for connection between corporation and news business 332
52M....................... Revenue test.................................................................... 332
52N....................... Content test..................................................................... 333
52O....................... Australian audience test.................................................. 333
52P........................ Professional standards test.............................................. 334
Division 4—General requirements 335
Subdivision A—Preliminary 335
52Q....................... Obligations in respect of digital platform services individually 335
Subdivision B—The minimum standards 335
52R........................ Giving list and explanation of data provided to registered news businesses 335
52S........................ Change to algorithm to bring about identified alteration to distribution of content with significant effect on referral traffic.................................................................. 337
52V....................... Section 52S—dominant purpose.................................... 338
52W....................... Section 52S—significant effect....................................... 338
Subdivision C—Recognition of original covered news content 339
52X....................... Recognition of original covered news content................ 339
Subdivision D—Facilitating open communication