Article by Chris Jose and Lawrence Baker
On 16 April 2003, the Federal Government released the Dawson Committee's (Committee) report on the competition provisions of the Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) (Act). The report can be accessed here.
The Committee, chaired by former High Court Justice Sir Daryl Dawson, prepared its report over a period of almost 18 months and balanced a divergent mix of views as expressed in the 212 submissions received by Committee. The Committee made 43 recommendations in relation to the Act's substantive provisions and its overall administration. The Government's response, which largely agrees with all the recommendations, can be found here.
Though it remains to be seen which of the recommendations are legislated in the coming months, companies may wish to consider whether any of the recommendations would affect current or future conduct or arrangements.
