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ARTICLE · 17 OCTOBER 2016

ACCC cracks down on cartel conduct contravening Australia's competition laws

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The ACCC has warned that it will continue to take a strong line against parties engaged in cartel conduct.

AustraliaAntitrust/Competition Law
Dorota Bryks
Dorota Bryks
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Each year the ACCC sets enforcement and compliance priorities that are taken into account when pursuing competition and consumer matters. In 2016, the ACCC warned that it would continue to take a strong line on cartel conduct (see our article – ACCC 2016 Enforcement Priorities). ACCC has stayed strong to its word – between January and June 2016 ACCC has issued $45.7 million in fines against parties who engaged in cartel conducts.

What is Cartel Conduct?

Under the Competition and Consumer Act (2010) (Cth) (CCA) companies are prevented from acting together instead of competing with each other. Agreements to act together are designed to increase profits of cartel members. Cartel conduct can occur by:

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