The collective bargaining notification process was introduced on 1 January 2007.
Notification is a process under which parties proposing to engage in collective bargaining conduct may obtain immunity from legal action under the Trade Practices Act if the conduct is in the public interest.
Any party to a collective bargaining arrangement can lodge a notification and can lodge a notification on behalf of other businesses that will be party to the arrangement. Collective bargaining notifications may also be lodged by a nominated representative who is not a member of the collective bargaining group. For example, an industry association may lodge a notification on behalf of its members.
Collective bargaining notifications during December 2007 and January 2008
Australian Medical Association (Vic) Pty Ltd (29645)
The AMA Victoria, on behalf of 39 doctors, proposed to collectively negotiate the terms and conditions (including price) of their VMO contracts with Latrobe Regional Hospital.
A draft objection notice was issued on 12 October 2007 and on 19 December 2007; the ACCC issued a final objection notice.
The Wangaratta Anaesthetic Group (30390)
A group of anaesthetists, who are members of the Wangaratta Anaesthetic Group, propose to collectively negotiate with BUPA Australia (trading as HBA) in relation to anaesthesia fees. Specifically, the group proposes to collectively negotiate a value above the scheduled fee for the provision of no-gap billing to members of the HBA Fund.
On 17 December 2007 the ACCC issued an assessment not objecting to the notification. Protection afforded by the notification came into effect on 19 December 2007 and will cease three years from the date of lodgment (21 November 2010).
