Summary
On 21 December 2020, 13 coal mining or coal project development companies which utilise the coal handing services provided by the Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal (DBCT) lodged an application seeking authorisation for themselves and future users of the DBCT (the Applicants) to collectively bargain with Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal Management Pty Ltd, now known as Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure Management Pty Ltd (DBIM). Authorisation was sought for:
(a) the collective negotiation by such existing and potential future users with the access provider, DBIM of the terms and conditions of access (principally pricing) relating to use of DBCT's coal handling service; and
(b) a potential collective arbitration if those negotiations fail to resolve the terms of access (the Proposed Conduct).
Authorisation was sought both for the named Applicants (and their successors, joint venturers and related bodies corporate) and for the benefit of any other future access seekers and access holders of DBCT.
Participation in the Proposed Conduct is voluntary and no collective boycott activity was proposed.
The Applicants sought authorisation until 30 June 2031.
On 5 March 2021, the ACCC granted interim authorisation, with a condition, so that the Applicants can commence engaging in the Proposed Conduct while the ACCC continued its assessment of the substantive application for authorisation.
On 17 June 2021, the ACCC issued a Determination granting authorisation, with a condition, until 30 June 2031. The Applicants are required to notify the ACCC of additional participants such as the Applicants’ successors, assignees, related bodies corporate and joint venture participants before these parties engage in the Proposed Conduct
A copy of the Determination is available via the link below.
Authorisation number(s)
- AA1000541-1