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.
Pallet shortage puts essential goods supply in jeopardy
Aussie SMEs are facing the possibility that a national pallet shortage could jeopardise the delivery of essential consumer goods to their stores, including groceries and food.
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.
“Enormous boost”: ACCC hails the outlawing of unfair contract terms, claiming major victory for small businesses
Australia's competition watchdog has welcomed new legislation outlawing unfair contract terms, a long-awaited move advocates and lawmakers say is vital to stop large companies from exploiting the small businesses which supply them with goods and services.
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.
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.
John Durie: ACCC’s criminal cartel case record remains mixed, while civil cases bring more success
The ACCC has a decidedly mixed record in its criminal cartel cases, with the latest being the Vietnamese money case that saw charges dropped against the only defendant who challenged the proceedings.
ACCC launches Qantas investigation, says airline wasn’t ‘realistic’ about flights it could deliver
ACCC is investigating a "number of complaints" about Qantas and warned if "evidence of misleading statements" was found, the watchdog would act accordingly.
John Durie: Consortium’s Port of Geelong bid collapses in the face of ACCC objections
Brookfield’s $1.2 billion sale of the Port of Geelong to a range of superannuation funds has collapsed after the ACCC objected to the deal on competition grounds.
John Durie: Andrew Leigh calls for competition law changes to revitalise flailing economy
A sharp division has emerged between the ACCC and Competition Minster Andrew Leigh over the need for action to improve the performance of the Australian economy.
John Durie: Government to outlaw unfair contracts this year, as ACCC grapples with how to tackle merger laws
In a boon to small business, new rules outlawing unfair contract terms should be introduced into federal Parliament this year, according to Assistant Minister for Treasury Andrew Leigh.
