The ACCC has launched an action against Google alleging misleading conduct in relation to the expanded use of personal data:

In her new podcast, Trust Exercise, Dr Katharine Kemp interviews ACCC Chair, Rod Sims, asking the question ‘Can we trust the free market to deliver?’

The criminal cartel case against banks and bankers continued from 20-24 July in the District Court in Penrith before Magistrate Giles, courtesy of a virtual courtroom.

The ACCC is proposing to allow The Australian Institute of Petroleum and major oil refiners to continue to cooperate on measures designed to ensure fuel security during the COVID-19 pandemic. An interim authorisation was granted in April.

The ACCC has issued a draft authorisation determination proposing to allow supermarket operators to continue working together until March 2021 to ensure continued supply of food and groceries during the COVID-19 pandemic. An interim authorisation had previously been granted.

The ACCC has re-authorised APRA (Australasian Performing Right Association Limited) to continue acquisition and licensing arrangements for four years, subject to conditions designed to improve transparency of APRA’s licensing and distribution arrangements.

The ACCC as proposed authorising private and public hospitals and government health authorities to continue working together in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ACCC will not oppose Elanco’s acquisition of Bayer AG’s animal health business after divestment undertakings given

The ACCC’s criminal cartel case against banks and investment bankers resumes later this month - this time in Penrith Local Court to facilitate social distancing.

The Consumer Data Right went live today, allowing consumers to choose to share banking data.

The ACCC has applied to the High Court for special leave to appeal the Pacific National Merger decision. It argues the Full Federal Court’s decision ‘does not recognise the full impact of the proposed acquisition on competition in this vitally important industry’.

“The ACCC proposes to allow the NSW Minerals Council and ten coal producers to collectively negotiate the terms and conditions, including price, of access to the Port of Newcastle for the export of coal and other minerals.”

Shipping company Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean AS (WWO) has entered a guilty plea to criminal cartel conduct in the Federal Court today.

The ACCC has outlined preliminary concerns with Google’s proposed acquisition of Fitbit. In particular, it has expressed concerns that ‘Google’s access to consumer health data may raise entry barriers, further entrench its dominant position and adversely affect competition in several digital advertising and health markets‘.

The ACCC has announced it will not oppose the proposed acquisition of Connective Group Pty Ltd by Australian Finance Group Ltd.

The ACCC has announced that it proposes not to allow plans by Caravan Tarde and Industries Association of Queensland (Caravanning Queensland) to offer a loyalty program to members.

The ACCC has announced it will not oppose Lumibird’s proposed acquisition of the Lasters and ultrasound Business of Ellex.

The ACCC has announced that it is ‘proposing to allow insurance companies and brokers to continue coordination and implementation of temporary COVID-19 relief measures for certain small businesses.‘

Andrew Eastwood has an item in today’s AFR discussing the future for regulatory enforcement in Australia.

RPM notification rejected: The ACCC has rejected a proposal by Stanley Black & Decker to set a minimum advertised price for Dewalt brand power tools, accessories and attachments.