Authorising and notifying cartel conduct

Amendments to the Trade Practices Act 1974 have introduced provisions prohibiting cartel conduct, establishing both civil and criminal penalties.

The authorisation and collective bargaining notification provisions have also been amended to provide that, where such arrangements are in the public interest, businesses may seek immunity from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

This publication has been updated to refer to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 which replaces the Trade Practices ACT 1974 on 1 January 2011.  For more information on the Australian Consumer Law changes see www.consumerlaw.gov.au