SOCOG ticketing arrangements notification to stand after significant discussions and in view of time factors

After significant discussions with the Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games and recognising the need for Olympic tickets to be offered to consumers without delay the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission will not block the proposed ticketing arrangements for the next round of the tickets to the Sydney Olympic Games.

"After careful consideration of the proposals and negotiation with SOCOG the ACCC believes the arrangements will give consumers a better opportunity to purchase tickets than was originally proposed", ACCC Chairman, Professor Allan Fels, said today. "Under that proposal initial purchases could only be made using a VISA card.

"The ACCC has been mindful that the Olympic Games is an international event which will bring a high public focus on Australia and it did not wish to unreasonably restrict SOCOG's complex task in bringing about a successful Games".

On 8 February 2000 SOCOG notified the ACCC that it proposed to sell the next tranche of tickets through the its Call Centre, the Internet and at a later stage through box offices, largely located in NSW. It required consumers to pay by VISA card for purchases using the first two methods. This notification was not relevant to conduct by SOCOG in NSW as NSW law exempts it from the anti-competition provisions of the Trade Practices Act 1974 in that State.

The ACCC's role, when it receives such a notification, is to consider whether the public benefit resulting from the proposal, outweighs the public detriment. The ACCC rejected the proposal on the grounds that it contained substantial public detriment due to the restricted means of payment.

On 14 April 2000, SOCOG notified the ACCC that it now proposes to offer the tickets to some events through order forms published in News Limited newspapers and to other events through Call Centre arrangements. It has also provided for payments to be made by bank-cheque, money order and personal cheque in addition to payments by VISA card.

In discussions with SOCOG the ACCC was concerned that with this new arrangement consumers should have full access to relevant information to enable them to make a fully informed decision when considering the ticket offer. It sought a commitment from SOCOG to provide complete information to the public on all aspects of the offer. SOCOG has also agreed to provide information to consumers about tickets excluded from this offer and for later release, including 'Super Tickets'. SOCOG has confirmed that it will provide such information at the beginning of the ticket offer.

SOCOG has also confirmed that it will not debit VISA cards unless the applicant is successful. SOCOG has committed to pay interest on unsuccessful purchases if refunds are not posted within 28 days of the closing date of applications for mail order tickets.

"This addresses a significant cause of consumer concern that arose in the previous Olympic ticket offer", Professor Fels said.

The ACCC held helpful discussions with representatives of SOCOG's Consumer Protection Advisory Committee at various stages of the process. The role of the CPAC is to monitor compliance with consumer protection principles and to make recommendations to the SOCOG Board.

The proposal by SOCOG now provides consumers with ready access to ticket purchases and expanded payment options.

The ACCC stressed to SOCOG that it needs to make full disclosure of all aspects of ticket availability to enable consumers to make informed decisions about purchases and have equitable access to tickets to the Olympic sessions.

"Because the timing of the offer is critical, the ACCC has accepted the somewhat imperfect arrangements which represent substantial improvements on the proposals concerning the VISA Cards that the ACCC recently rejected. It has been prepared, on balance, not to block the offer from proceeding on the basis that the amendments it proposed, were agreed to to allow the offer to commence without delay".