Key Points:
Of the Harper Review's 52 draft recommendations, the
big ticket items seemingly aimed at big business are bound to
receive the most attention.
On 22 September 2014, the Harper Panel released a draft report
summarising its findings and draft recommendations for priority
areas of reform. The Harper Review is the first comprehensive
review of Australia's competition laws and policy in more than
20 years, and its report follows the Panel's consideration of
almost 350 submissions, and close to 100 meetings with
stakeholders.
The Panel has reviewed the current competition policy, laws and
institutional framework through the lens of "fitness for
purpose", and has made 52 wide-ranging recommendations. Of
those 52 recommendations, some of the bigger ticket items that are
likely to have a significant impact on businesses in Australia,
particularly those operating within already concentrated
industries, are:
