*Please note that the links to the content in this Part will direct you to New Westlaw.<\/p>\n
To purchase an article, please email: LTA.Service@thomsonreuters.com<\/a> or contact us on 1300 304 195 (Australian customers) or +61 2 8587 7980 (international customers) during business hours (Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm AEST).<\/p>\n The latest issue of the Australian Journal of Competition and Consumer Law<\/em> (Volume 32 Part 1) contains the following material:<\/p>\n EDITORIAL<\/a><\/p>\n Though Much Has Been Done, Much Remains to Be Done<\/strong><\/em><\/a> \u2013 Gina Cass-Gottlieb<\/p>\n The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission\u2019s (ACCC) economy-wide, complementary remits for the promotion of competition and consumer protection put it in a good position to respond to emerging issues as Australia and the world navigate generational shifts in their economies and societies. The move to a low-emissions future, the continued expansion of the digital economy, the advance in new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and an increasing demand for care and support services are creating new markets, new opportunities, and new considerations for agencies like the ACCC. Competition and consumer protection policy has a key role in ensuring these economic transitions proceed in a way that is effective, efficient and fair. This article focuses on the key areas of ACCC\u2019s compliance and enforcement work that are responsive to these shifts and challenges, and provides an update on the Commission\u2019s merger reform proposals.<\/p>\n The Proposed \u201cDesignated\u201d Complaint Function under the ACL \u2013 More Strength to a <\/strong>Consumer\u2019s Bow<\/strong><\/em><\/a> \u2013 Leanne Wiseman and Kanchana Kariyawasam<\/p>\n The difficulties that Australian consumers experience when seeking remedies for faulty products under the Australian Consumer Law <\/em>(ACL) are well documented. Interestingly, the Productivity Commission, when examining barriers to repairability in their 2021 \u201cRight to Repair\u201d Inquiry, also highlighted the challenges that face consumers in relation to accessing remedies for breach of consumer guarantees. One of the recommendations suggested that the introduction of a \u201csuper complaints\u201d mechanism, where designated consumer groups can lodge complaints on consumer issues (such as repair) would go some way towards making the ACL remedies more available to consumers. In 2023, the Federal Government, as part of its Better Competition commitment, vowed to establish a \u201cdesignated complaints\u201d function within the ACCC. This article discusses the evolution of the \u201csuper complaints\u201d mechanism. In so doing, it compares this proposal with the United Kingdom\u2019s complaint scheme to provide insights into the potential strengths and weaknesses of this approach.<\/p>\n Bid Rigging on the Radar!<\/strong><\/em><\/a> \u2013 Adrian Coorey<\/p>\n Bid rigging is one of four types of cartel conduct in Australia. It is considered an egregious form of anti-competitive conduct. Over the past few years, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has commenced proceedings against a number of corporate and individual respondents for engaging in bid rigging. This article focuses on a discussion of three of those decisions, namely ACCC v Delta Building Automation Pty Ltd<\/em>, ACCC v Ashton Raggatt McDougall Pty Ltd <\/em>and ACCC v First Class Slate Roofing Pty Ltd<\/em>. The decisions, and many others in the past, play a vital role in sending a strong message to the public that the ACCC takes bid rigging seriously and will commence proceedings even in circumstances where there is an attempt, or attempt to induce others, to bid rig.<\/p>\n ADMINISTRATION AND COMPETITION POLICY<\/a> \u2013 Editor: Dr Luke Wainscoat<\/em><\/p>\n CONSUMER PROTECTION<\/a> \u2013 Editor: Bernard McCabe<\/em><\/p>\n TELECOMMUNICATIONS<\/a> \u2013 Editor: Professor Niloufer Selvadurai<\/em><\/p>\n CASE NOTE<\/a> \u2013 Editor: Christopher Hodgekiss SC<\/em><\/p>\n CONSUMER CONCERNS<\/a><\/p>\n REPORT FROM ASIA<\/a> \u2013 Editor: Andrew Christopher<\/em><\/p>\n REPORT FROM EUROPE<\/a> \u2013 Editor: Tom Pick<\/em><\/p>\n For the PDF version of the table of contents, click here: New Westlaw Australia \u2013 AJCCL Vol 32 No 1 Contents<\/a>.<\/p>\n Click here to access this Part on New Westlaw AU<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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