ACCC/AER Regulatory Conference 2021

4–4:15 pm

Acknowledgement of Country and introductory remarks by AER Deputy Chair Jim Cox

4:15–5:15 pm

Session 1A – Plenary session

Around the world new regulations are being imposed on digital platforms. What is the economic harm these regulations are designed to address? Why can’t these issues be addressed through competition law? What platforms should be subject to regulatory controls? Is there a tension between promoting competition and undermining the investment that has driven historic levels of innovation in these sectors? Is there a tension between achieving the wider societal benefits of network externalities while avoiding abuse of gatekeeper dominance?

Speakers:

• Cristina Caffarra, Senior Consultant, Charles River Associates, London
• Tommaso Valletti, Professor of Economics, Imperial College Business School, and Professor of Economics, University of Rome Tor Vergata
• Chair: Rod Sims, Chair, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

Session 1A Slides - Plenary presentations ( PDF 7.75 MB )

5:15–5:45 pm

Q&A with speakers for plenary session

Alternative networking session

5:45–6 pm

Short break

6–7 pm

Session 1B – Regulating fixed broadband in the presence of infrastructure competition

The presence of current and potential infrastructure competition in various geographic areas raises questions for regulating fixed broadband. Is there a national fixed broadband market? Should there be geographically different approach to regulating fixed broadband based on the extent of infrastructure competition?

Speakers:

• David Clarkson, Competition Policy Director, Ofcom
• Deena Shiff
• James Mellsop, Managing Director, NERA Economic Consulting
• Chair: Anna Brakey, Commissioner, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

Session 1B Slides - Regulating fixed broadband in the presence of infrastructure ( PDF 4.19 MB )

7–7:30 pm

Q&A with speakers for session 1B

Alternative networking session

4–5 pm

Session 2A – Do we need a Part IIIB?

A number of recent considerations of whether particular infrastructure services should be regulated have raised questions regarding whether existing regulatory regimes are fit for purpose with respect to services provided by non-vertically integrated infrastructure operators. This session will consider a range of issues including:

• whether Part IIIA is achieving what it was originally designed to
• are there regulatory problems unable to be addressed adequately under current regimes
• is there a need for another type of infrastructure regulation regime (i.e. some form of Part IIIB)?

Speakers:

• Chris Jose, Member, Australian Communications and Media Authority
• Dr Stephen King, Commissioner, Productivity Commission
• Rod Sims, Chair, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
• Chair: Richard York, Principal Economist, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

5–5:30 pm

Q&A with speakers for session 2A

Alternative networking session

5:30–5:40 pm

Short break

5:40–6:40 pm

Session 2B – Consumer vulnerability and market design

Characteristics of markets and products (such as complexity) as well as personal circumstances can result in poor consumer outcomes. The panel will provide reflections on what outcomes a regulator can achieve by addressing vulnerabilities, how to foster positive behaviour and design and how to bring in the consumer voice to ensure vulnerability doesn’t originate from market products and design.

Speakers:

• Prof Cameron Tonkinwise, Research Director, Design Innovation Research Centre University of Technology Sydney
• Meghna Tewari, Head of Retail Market Policy, Ofgem
• Lauren Solomon, Chief Executive Officer, Consumer Policy Research Centre
• Chair: Justin Oliver, Board Member, Australian Energy Regulator

Session 2B Slides - Consumer vulnerability and market design ( PDF 2.3 MB )

6:40–7:10 pm

Q&A with speakers for session 2B

Alternative networking session

9–10 am

Session 3A – Electricity market design

The electricity sector is facing a time of unprecedented change as we transition from centralised, dispatchable power to decentralised, intermittent generation sources. Do we need to make fundamental changes to the market to accommodate this transition? Does the recent crisis experienced in Texas (another energy only market) have lessons for Australia?

Speakers:

• Bill Hogan, Raymond Plank Research Professor of Global Energy Policy, Harvard University
• Beth Garza, Senior Fellow, R Street Institute
• Chair: Clare Savage, Chair, Australian Energy Regulator

Session 3A Slides - Electricity market design ( PDF 3.05 MB )

10–10:30 am

Q&A with speakers for session 3A

Alternative networking session

10:30–10:40 am

Short break

10:40–11:40 am

Session 3B – Great Debate: The ACCC/AER should regulate everything

A provocative and light-hearted discussion on abolishing State based regulation in favour of a centralised approach to regulation. Does Australia need a harmonised approach to regulation or do States know their markets best?

Speakers:

• Ron Ben-David, Solrose Consulting and Professorial Fellow, Monash University
• Joe Dimasi, Senior Commissioner, (Chair) ICRC. Chair Tasmanian Economic Regulator
• Lynne Gallagher, Chief Executive Officer, Energy Consumers Australia
• Dr Stephen King, Commissioner, Productivity Commission
• Delia Rickard, Deputy Chair, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
• Ed Willett, Associate Commissioner, PNG Independent Consumer and Competition Commission
• Chair: Sarah Proudfoot, Executive General Manager, Infrastructure, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission 

11:40 am–12:10 pm

Closing address and networking