This edition of ACCC update explores the possible impact of the global financial crisis on Australia's long-term competitiveness and the need to respond to immediate concerns while maintaining policies that will stand our country in good stead once economic conditions begin to improve. We also look at investigations by the ACCC and overseas competition authorities into collusion on fuel and security surcharges for freight customers by several of the world's largest airlines, and soon-to-be introduced changes to the Trade Practices Act 1974 that will make hidden fees, taxes and other add-on charges things of the past.
Along articles about the latest State of the energy market report and a recent campaign to gather information about activities by some elements of the debt collection industry, we also profile new commissioners Peter Kell and Michael Schaper (both deputy chairs), and Joe Dimasi (petrol commissioner).
