The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has instituted proceedings in the Federal Court, Hobart, against Atlantic salmon farming business Tassal Limited and the Tasmanian Salmonid Growers Association, for alleged contraventions of the Trade Practices Act.
The ACCC alleges that in early 2002, Atlantic salmon farmers, including Tassal, entered into an arrangement under the auspices of their trade association to restrict production of Atlantic salmon. The ACCC alleges that the production restrictions were adopted in order to avoid oversupply and a consequent price drop, and were in contravention of section 45 of the Act dealing with anti-competitive arrangements. The ACCC is seeking a range of remedies, including declarations that the conduct breached the law, injunctions, penalties, compliance programs and costs.