The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has granted interim authorisation* to a group of Sydney councils (SSROC) to collectively tender for the provision of waste management services for waste collected during 'Council Clean Ups'.
Interim authorisation extends to seeking and receiving expressions of interest, calling for tenders and making recommendations to councils. Interim authorisation was requested so that, if final authorisation is granted, contracts can be entered into in a timely manner so as to maximise the contract term for the service.
"The granting of interim authorisation in no way binds the ACCC in its consideration of the substantive application for authorisation", ACCC Chairman, Mr Graeme Samuel, said.
"In making this decision the ACCC has considered that the market dynamics will not be permanently altered by the conduct. No binding contracts resulting from the tender process will be entered into under the interim authorisation".
The councils covered by the decision are: Botany Bay City Council, Hurstville City Council, Kogarah Council, Sutherland Shire Council, Waverly council and Woollahra Council. The City of Sydney Council and Canterbury Council may also participate in the arrangements at a later date.
More information regarding the application and granting of interim authorisation, including the terms, is available by following the Authorising anti-competitive conduct and Authorisations links on the ACCC's website.