The ACCC has issued a draft determination proposing to re-authorise the National Pharmaceutical Services Association (NPSA), its members and Community Service Obligation Distributors (the Participants) to enable them to have discussions, enter into or give effect to arrangements, or engage in conduct for the purpose of facilitating the supply of, and access to, medicines and pharmacy products. In addition, authorisation will allow for collective bargaining by the NPSA on behalf of its members in relation to possible vaccine distribution arrangements with the Government.
The ACCC previously granted authorisation to the NPSA in September 2020 for similar arrangements. This authorisation expired on 30 September 2021.
The ACCC proposes to grant authorisation until 28 February 2023. The ACCC now invites submissions in relation to the draft determination by 21 January 2022, before making its final decision. Submissions should be emailed to exemptions@accc.gov.au with the subject “AA1000571 – National Pharmaceutical Services Association – submission”.
On 10 September 2021, the ACCC granted interim authorisation to allow the Conduct to continue while the ACCC completes its assessment of the application for authorisation, as well as to allow for collective bargaining by the NPSA on behalf of its members in relation to possible vaccine distribution arrangements with the Government.
Further information about the ACCC’s draft and interim decision is available on the ACCC’s National Pharmaceutical Services Association (NPSA) re-authorisation public register.