Associations and professional services

  • Professional service providers, such as doctors, dentists, vets, engineers, architects and lawyers, operate in a competitive marketplace and must comply with the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
  • Professional and industry associations must be aware of and comply with their obligations under the Act.

Competing fairly in professional services

Like all businesses, professionals and their associations must compete fairly and avoid engaging in anti-competitive behaviour such as cartels, exclusive dealing, unfair dealing or unconscionable conduct.

Industry associations

Industry associations play an important role in providing a collective voice for individual businesses within an industry. However, associations and their members (regardless of size) must be mindful of their obligations under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (the Act).

Professional associations

While professional associations help educate members and maintain high standards and ethical behaviour, they must ensure their membership criteria, voluntary codes and advice to members comply with the Competition and Consumer Act.

Medical professionals

Medical professionals must comply with laws to ensure fair competition and protect consumers.