The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has granted authorisation to TLS Association Pty Ltd to collectively bargain with a range of suppliers on behalf of Telstra licensed shops for five years.
TLSA, which represents approximately 90 per cent of Telstra licensed shops around Australia, had sought authorisation to collectively bargain with suppliers of telecommunications products and providers of general small business services.
ACCC chairman Graeme Samuel said the collective bargaining arrangements are likely to bring cost savings for TLSA members.
"As the arrangements involve a small proportion of participants in the relevant markets, the ACCC considers there is little or no risk of the arrangements resulting in anti-competitive detriment."
The ACCC also notes that participation in the collective negotiations is voluntary for all parties and does not impose any restrictions on the ability of TLSA members to deal directly with any supplier.
Authorisation provides immunity from court action for conduct that might otherwise raise concerns under the competition provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. Broadly, the ACCC may grant an authorisation when it is satisfied that the public benefit from the conduct outweighs any public detriment.
The ACCC's final determination will be available from the public register on the ACCC website.