ACCC issues ACCCount for October to December 2018 quarter
ACCCount details the ACCC’s enforcement, compliance, merger, adjudication, economic regulation, market studies, advocacy and international activities.
Competing fairly
Kleenheat pays $25,200 penalties over gas discount claims in WA
Wesfarmers Kleenheat Gas Pty Ltd (Kleenheat) has paid penalties totalling $25,200 after the ACCC issued two infringement notices for alleged false and misleading representations made about gas prices.
From 29 April 2018, Kleenheat advertised that new customers in Western Australia could “Save 35% on gas charges” by switching to its Monthly Energiser Plan.
The ACCC alleged that this representation was false and misleading because the discount only applied to a customer’s gas usage charges (but not to other charges, like the gas supply charge or account fee).
Preliminary report submissions
Written responses to the preliminary report released on 10 December should be emailed to platforminquiry@accc.gov.au by 15 February 2019.
Preliminary report
In December 2018, the ACCC released its preliminary report for the inquiry, following the report being provided to the Treasurer. Submissions in response to the preliminary report will close on 15 February 2019.
ACCC commissioned research
The ACCC commissioned the following research to inform its analysis.
Competition & the 5G spectrum
ACCC Chair Rod Sims addresses the ACMA RadComms 2018 conference regarding competition issues and the 5G spectrum.
High Court refuses the ACCC special leave to appeal Pfizer decision
The High Court has dismissed the ACCC’s application for special leave to appeal the Full Federal Court decision in a case against Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd (Pfizer).
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).
Companies behaving badly?
ACCC Chair Rod Sims delivered the Giblin Lecture in Tasmania today, and shared his observations on company behaviour that drives breaches of Australia’s competition and consumer laws.
“Few companies behave badly often, but rather many engage in occasional significant instances of bad behaviour, which remains unacceptable.”
“It is often said that companies succeed by looking after the needs of their customers. I have been surprised over very many years, however, at the way in which many businesses often do precisely the opposite.”
Companies behaving badly?
ACCC Chair Rod Sims delivers a speech at the 2018 Giblin Lecture on the behaviours the ACCC has seen from companies, why the behaviours may occur and what should be done about it.