Can the professions survive national competition policy?

The effects of national competition policy on the professions will be examined at a major conference to be held in Perth tomorrow (April 11). Speakers include the Federal Attorney-General, Mr Daryl Williams, the Chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, Professor Allan Fels, and the WA Attorney-General, Mr Peter Foss.

Competition laws now apply to the professions around Australia and, from 21 July 1997, those in the professions who breach the laws risk maximum penalties of $10 million (corporations) and $500,000 (individuals).

State and Territory governments are currently reviewing legislation which affects the professions to remove those anti-competitive provisions which do not provide a demonstrable public benefit. These reviews will further extend the reach of competition law to the professions.

The professions will be represented by Mr Christopher Pullin, QC, president of the Australian Bar Association; Dr John Southwick, president, Australian Council of Professions; Mr Michael Peck, chief executive and national manager, practice, Royal Australian Institute of Architects; Dr David Roberts, president, Australian Medical Association (WA); Mr Neville Davis, chairman, Committee of Presidents of Medical Colleges; and Mr Harry Zafer, senior national vice-president, Pharmacy Guild. The conference is being jointly sponsored by the ACCC, the University of Western Australia, Murdoch University and University of Notre Dame.

It will be held at the Novotel Langley, Perth from 9am on Friday 11 April 1997. Further information is available from Ms Lee Hollis, Perth ACCC office on 09 325 3622.