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ARTICLE · 18 MAY 2015

Beware the Watchdog! The ACCC targets for 2015

Holman Webb
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All companies operating businesses in Australia should understand the areas of focus outlined by the ACCC for 2015.

AustraliaAntitrust/Competition Law
Corinne Attard
Corinne Attard
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On 19 February 2015 ACCC Chairman Mr Rod Sims outlined the regulator's compliance and enforcement priorities for 2015.

For industries such as franchising which are subject to specific ACCC regulation, this is always of interest but all companies operating businesses in Australia are subject to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Act) and should understand the areas on which the ACCC elects to focus to ensure that they have their compliance house in order.

The four enduring priorities of the ACCC remain:

  • cartel conduct;
  • anti-competitive agreements and practices;
  • misuse of market power; and
  • product safety.

To quote Mr. Sims "The detriment caused to both consumers and competition means these forms of conduct will always be in our sights."

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