Competition is the primary means of ensuring consumers get the best products for the lowest price possible.
A cartel occurs when two or more businesses get together and decide not to compete against each other.
The agreement might be to raise prices. The cartel might decide to divide up their customer base, or restrict total supply levels. Or they might rig the outcome of a tender process.
Illegal cartels harm other businesses and consumers, and for that reason they are prohibited by the Trade Practices Act 1974.
Important notice
Please see the attached important notice about changes to the Trade Practices Act that affect this publication.
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