Five major model agents, six individuals and the Model Agents and Managers Association Inc (MAMA) have been named in proceedings alleging price-fixing.
Named in the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission* statement of claim are: Chadwicks Model Agency Pty Ltd, Priscilla's Model Management Pty Ltd, Gordon Charles Management Pty Ltd, Cameron's Management Pty Ltd, Hirere Pty Ltd (trading as Vivien's Model Management), Peter Frederick Chadwick, Priscilla Josephine Leighton-Clark, Gary Saunders, Gordon Charles Donald, Jane Christine Cameron, Kevin Smith and the Model Agents and Managers Association Inc.
The ACCC alleges they attempted a price-fixing arrangement, or understanding, to enforce payment of an Agency Service Fee of 10% above negotiated fees for the hire of models from 1 July 1995.
It is further alleged that at a meeting of MAMA held in May 1995, the five agencies and the individuals agreed to enter into a price-fixing arrangement by co-ordinating the enforcement of the 10% agency service fee to be paid by all their clients with effect from 1 July 1995.
The ACCC alleges this is breach of Section 45 of the Trade Practices Act.
The ACCC is seeking penalties and injunctions. A directions hearing will be held in the Federal Court, Sydney on 9 February 1996.
Release # MR 007/95
Issued: 23rd November 1995
*The ACCC was formed on 6 November 1995 following the merger of the Trade Practices Commission and the Prices Surveillance Authority.
