Criminalisation of Cartels in Australia

Abstract

The criminalisation of cartel conduct is fast becoming a reality in Australia. The Trade Practices Amendment (Cartel Conduct and Other Measures) Bill 2008 (Bill) was passed by the House of Representatives on 11 February 2009. The Senate Economics Committee released its report on the Bill on 26 February 2009 and recommended that the Bill be passed without amendment. The amendments will commence 28 days after they receive the Royal Assent. The new provisions could therefore be in force very shortly. This article briefly summarises the key provisions of the Bill.

Keywords: Trade Practices Act 1974, cartels, cartel criminalisation