ACCC Childcare Inquiry
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) yesterday released the second interim report for their 2022-23 inquiry into childcare.
The interim report contains 18 draft findings and 7 draft recommendations. The draft recommendations focus primarily on government policy, regulatory framework, improvements to the Child Care Subsidy, market regulations, educator workforce retention, the quality and content of Starting Blocks (an Australian Government website intended to provide families with information about childcare), and the importance of greater support for Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations that provide childcare and for First Nations children and families.
Submissions in response to the September interim report are open, and will close at 11:59pm (AEST) 29th October 2023. All interested parties are invited to make a submission to the ACCC.
Aviation Green Paper Open for Feedback
From the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, webpage found here:
The Aviation Green Paper, released on 7 September 2023, marks an important stage in developing the Aviation White Paper which will set the policy direction for the aviation sector out to 2050.
Through the Green Paper, the Government is seeking feedback on aviation matters, including:
- airlines, airports and passengers – competition, consumer protections and disability access settings
- regional and remote aviation services
- maximising aviation’s contribution to net zero
- airport development planning process and consultation mechanisms
- general aviation
- fit-for-purpose agencies and regulations
- emerging aviation technologies
- future industry workforce
- international aviation
The Green Paper was informed by the Scenario Analysis of the Future of Australian Aviation report undertaken for the Department by L.E.K. Consulting.
Submissions are now open and can be made by visiting the have your say page or by emailing aviationgreenpaper@infrastructure.gov.au.
Submissions on the Green Paper will help to inform the development of the Aviation White Paper, to be released in mid-2024.
We will also engage with stakeholders through a series of roundtable sessions in October and November 2023. You can register to receive updates on the public consultation events by emailing aviationwhitepaper@infrastructure.gov.au. Information on the public consultation events will also be posted on our website once finalised.
Proposed Stamp Price Increase – stakeholder survey
From the ACCC’s page here:
We welcome your views on Australia Post’s proposal to increase stamp prices by 25% from January 2024, being an increase of:
- 30 cents, from $1.20 to $1.50, for ordinary small letters
- 60 cents, from $2.40 to $3.00, for ordinary large letters up to 125g
- 90 cents, from $3.60 to $4.50, for ordinary large letters over 125g up to 250g.
Australia Post is not proposing to increase the price of concession stamps ($3 for 5) or seasonal greeting card stamps (65c).
ACCC role in stamp price regulation
The ACCC is required to assess proposed stamp price increases in accordance with the Competition and Consumer Act. We are seeking the views of stakeholders, including individuals and small business, to inform our assessment of the proposal.
The ACCC does not have the power to approve a proposed price. Instead, we can decide to object or to not object to a proposed stamp price increase.
The ACCC only has a role in assessing the price of certain letter services. We do not have a role in assessing the price of parcel services.
Inquiry into Price Gouging and Unfair Prices
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) has recently announced an inquiry into price gouging and unfair pricing practices to be chaired by Professor Allan Fells AO. The impetus for the inquiry is rising inflation and serious concerns about cost of living, price gouging, and unfair pricing practices
The ACTU’s inquiry is currently open for submissions from those affected by price gouging, not-for-profit organisations, think-tanks, and academics. The inquiry itself will focus on:
- The extent of price gouging facing working people on essential items,
- The disproportionate effect experienced by cohorts of workers and vulnerable groups, and
- The effect of price gouging on the safety and mental health of workers providing essential goods and services.
Submissions can be made here, and the report, once received by the ACTU, will be made public.