Commissioner Cristina Cifuentes will leave the ACCC on 3 July 2020. Commissioner Cifuentes has served more than seven years in the role.

The ACCC has dismissed the ACCC’s appeal against a 2019 Federal Court decision which found that Pacific National’s acquisition of Acacia Ridge Terminal in Brisbane would not substantially lessen competition as a result of undertakings given by PN. As a result of the appeal the acquisition can proceed without that undertaking.

‘The ACCC has granted new interim authorisation for an expanded range of measures allowing participants in the gas and electricity markets to work together to help safeguard Australia’s energy supply during the COVID-19 pandemic.‘

The ACCC has granted interim authorisation to NT and SA private hospitals and health agencies to cooperate, following similar earlier authorisations in Victoria and Queensland.

‘The ACCC has granted interim authorisation allowing life insurers to co-ordinate to ensure frontline healthcare workers are not excluded from coverage due to potential or actual exposure to COVID-19.‘

The ACCC has concluded an investigation into CBH’s Paddock Planner App, which commenced following concerns raised by growers.

The ACCC concluded that there was ‘no evidence that Paddock Planner App breached any of the competition or consumer laws’.

‘The ACCC has granted interim authorisation for members of the Australian Securitisation Forum (ASF) to work together to assist smaller lenders to maintain liquidity and issue loans to consumers and small businesses during the economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.‘

This follows the federal government announcement of a finance support fund and allows ASF members to coordinate input on how to administer that scheme.

The ACCC has authorised private hospitals in Victoria and Queensland to cooperate with ‘state health agencies, public hospitals and each other’ to prepare for and respond to COVID-19.

No public consultation took place before authorisation; public submissions may now be made and are due by 1 May 2020.

The ACCC has authorised major oil refiners and the Australian Institute of Petroleum to ‘discuss and put in place measures so fuel supplies remain available during the COVID-19 pandemic, and after the economic shutdown ends.‘

The ACCC has ‘granted interim authorisation to the Australian Energy Market Operator Limited (AEMO) to allow gas and electricity industry participants to co-operate on measures to ensure secure and reliable energy supply and integrity of wholesale markets during the COVID-19 pandemic.‘

The ACCC has authorised Medicines Australia, the Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association and their members to cooperate for the continued supply of essential medicines.

The ACCC has authorised shopping centre owners and managers to cooperate in relation to rent relief measures.

The ACCC has authorised insurance companies and brokers to work together to implement COVID-19 relief for small business.

The ACCC has granted interim authorisation to NSW Minerals Council and 10 coal producers to collectively negotiate with Port of Newcastle Operations - including in relation to prices.

The ACCC will not oppose the proposed acquisition of CUB by Asahi Group Holdings after Asahi underook to divest two beer brands (Stella Artois and Beck’s)and three cider brands (Strongbow, Bonamy’s and Little Green).

The ACCC has ‘granted interim authorisation allowing NBN Co and five retail service providers (RSPs) to work together to take measures necessary to keep Australia’s telecommunications networks operating effectively during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as support consumers and small businesses adversely impacted by the pandemic.‘

The ACCC will allow wholesalers of medicines to co-operate ‘to facilitate distribution of essential medication and pharmacy products’, with ACCC Chair, Rod Sims, claiming the authorisation is ‘clearly in the national interest’.

The ACCC has not opposed the proposed acquisition of Adelaide Tools and Oaklands Mower Centre, after initially raising some concerns.

The ABA received another conditional interim authorisation from the ACCC to co-operate providing relief packages for individuals and businesses that have been affected by COVID-19.

Speaking in a webcast with the AFR, ACCC Chair, Rod Sims, said that the ACCC was working with businesses to authorise cooperation to support the community during the current crisis, but that competition has a critical role to play post COVID-19.