Competition Archives - Consumers' Federation of Australia

6 December , 2024

Consultation Opens for New Digital Competition Reform in Australia

The ACCC has welcomed today’s start of consultation by the Australian Government on the implementation of a new digital competition regime in Australia. The consultation comes after the Government’s in-principle agreement to competition reforms recommended by the ACCC to address harms caused by digital platforms. “This is an important opportunity for consumers, businesses and other interested parties…

2 December , 2024

Interim Authorisation for Flights and Marketing for Doha to Australia Granted by ACCC

The ACCC has granted interim authorisation to Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways, allowing them to engage in cooperative conduct under an integrated alliance. The ACCC has also accepted a court enforceable undertaking from Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways in relation to the conduct. Under the interim authorisation, Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways can commence marketing and selling…

12 November , 2024

Less Competition and Higher Prices as Rex Suspends Operations

Domestic airline passengers face less choice and higher airfares following Rex’s recent exit from services between metropolitan cities, the ACCC’s latest Domestic Airline Competition report has found. Since Rex suspended operations on its services between metropolitan cities on 31 July 2024, the average airfare on all Major City routes has increased by 13.3 per cent to September…

2 October , 2024

ACCC seeks Consultation on Potential Competition Concerns with Sigma/Chemist Warehouse Acquisition

The ACCC is seeking views on a proposed court-enforceable undertaking offered by Sigma Healthcare Limited (ASX: SIG) in relation to its proposed acquisition of Chemist Warehouse Group Holdings. Sigma is one of the largest wholesalers of prescription medicines, over the counter and front of store products. Sigma is also a franchisor of pharmacies under banners…

22 August , 2024

ACCC Finds New and Expanding Airlines Face ‘significant challenges’ as Concern Remains Over Domestic Airline Competition

The ACCC will continue to closely monitor domestic airfares on services between metropolitan cities following Rex’s withdrawal from this market, the ACCC’s latest domestic airline competition report states. The report shows improved conditions for consumers with declines in airfares, reduced cancellations and improved on time rates for flights over the first half of 2024. However, the ACCC…

22 August , 2024

Inquiry into ‘big box’ retailer price setting

The Senate Standing Committee on Economics has recently opened an inquiry into the price setting of ‘big box’ retailers with submissions open now until 27 September 2024. The Committee’s Terms of Reference for the inquiry and subsequent report to the Australian Senate is: a. the market behaviours of such retailers, including price negotiation practices, abuse…

25 July , 2024

Next step towards merger reform for a more competitive economy

The Albanese Government has released draft legislation to reform Australia’s merger rules and boost competition and productivity in our economy. The reforms will make merger approval system faster, stronger, simpler, more targeted and more transparent. Following extensive consultation, the draft legislation released today sets out the legal framework for the new system which will commence…

3 July , 2024

Telstra and Optus Cooperate with ACCC Google Search Services Investigation

The ACCC has accepted undertakings from Telstra and Optus as part of the ACCC’s ongoing competition investigation into Google’s search services in Australia. During the investigation into Google’s conduct, the ACCC became aware of agreements that Google had initiated and entered into with Telstra and Optus, which meant Google’s search services were pre-installed as the…

25 June , 2024

Government Accepts All Recommendations to Strengthen Food and Grocery Code

The Albanese Government will strengthen the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct, accepting all recommendations of a recent independent review into the Code as part of a wide?ranging cost?of?living crackdown on anti?competitive behaviour in the food and grocery sector. This is about getting a fair go for families and a fair go for farmers. Our…

21 June , 2024

ACCC Releases Final Report on Regulation of Mobile Terminating Access Service

The ACCC has released its final report outlining the findings of its inquiry into whether the domestic mobile terminating access service should continue to be regulated. Access to telecommunications services in Australia is usually unregulated unless the services are declared. In deciding whether to declare a service, the ACCC must be satisfied that declaration will…

13 June , 2024

Proposed Merger Raises Concerns Over Pharmacy Sector Competition

The ACCC has outlined preliminary competition concerns with Sigma Healthcare Limited’s (ASX: SIG) proposed acquisition of Chemist Warehouse Group Holdings in a Statement of Issues published today. “This is a major structural change for the pharmacy sector, involving the largest pharmacy chain by revenue merging with a key wholesaler to thousands of independent pharmacies that…

21 May , 2024

Latest ACCC report finds consumers lack visibility and choice over data collection practices

Consumers generate data in almost all aspects of their lives as many activities that were once anonymous are now subject to detailed data collection, such as restaurants that require customers to order via a QR code and input personal details. The latest Digital Platform Services Inquiry report published today, highlights that consumers are generally unaware how much…