Australia’s merger rules aren’t up to scratch, ACCC chair says, with new proposal likely to flow to SMEs
Australia's competition watchdog is advocating for new rules which would allow it to screen potential corporate mergers before they take place, saying extra checks and balances will protect the economy from anti-competitive behaviour and steer large incumbents from amassing market-defining power.
Calls for a digital ‘dark pattern’ crackdown intensify as ACCC chair slams subscription lock-in tricks
Australia's competition regulator is intensifying its push to outlaw 'dark patterns', a collection of tactics digital platforms use to confuse customers, encourage them to act against their own interest, or keep paid services they no longer want.
“A race to the bottom in dodginess”: Federal government considers blanket ban on unfair trading practices
The federal government is considering a major crackdown on unfair trading practices, once again raising the prospect of blanket legislation to replace a patchwork of industry-specific codes of conduct.
“Really positive”: Andrew Leigh hailed for competition reforms, as Small Business Ombudsman calls for further action in 2023
Small business groups have praised the Labor government's recent competition reforms, Small Business Bruce Billson says, but the SME advocate suggests more could be done to crack down on harmful conduct in 2023.
“It’s just not fair”: Andrew Leigh targets Booking.com and Expedia contracts as Treasury considers legislative crackdown
A new Treasury consultation seeks feedback on 'price parity' clauses offered by online travel agencies, which can force small accommodation businesses to offer their cheapest possible price on major platforms.
John Durie: ACCC pushes for new laws to deal with fake reviews and scams on Google and Meta
The federal government has yet to commit to the reforms, but said Treasury would consult before potential legislative changes are introduced next year.
John Durie: ACCC to rule on Woolworths’ buyout of a local IGA as watchdog ponders creeping acquisitions
Creeping acquisitions are a key issue for small business, as the best hope of a lucrative payday is often when a big retailer like Woolworths buys them out.
John Durie: ACCC rejects Virgin’s Alliance Aviation FIFO bid
The competition watchdog has rejected Virgin’s request for clearance to continue a five-year agreement with Alliance Aviation to jointly bid for fly-in fly-out contracts throughout the country.
John Durie: Competition Minister raids the archives for market reform inspiration
Competition Minister Andrew Leigh will today use the 30th anniversary of the landmark Hilmer reforms to make his case for comprehensive competition reform in Australia.
ACCC flags greenwashing and scams as areas of concern in 2021 annual report review
On Tuesday, the ACCC attended the standing committee for economics for a review of the commission’s 2021 annual report. Here are four key takeaways from the session.
The Better Packaging Co warned after alleged price fixing proposal in New Zealand
The Better Packaging Co has been warned over cartel conduct by New Zealand’s Commerce Commission after a rival reported it for proposing price fixing.
John Durie: ACCC launches civil action against architectural firm over alleged bid rigging
The ACCC has stepped up its war against bid rigging with a civil cartel case against national architects Ashton Raggatt McDougall for allegedly trying to fix a bid for Charles Darwin University in 2020.
