National competition policy [Hilmer report]

In October 1992 the Prime Minister invited the Committee to undertake an independent inquiry into a national competition policy, following the agreement by Australian Governments on the need for such a policy. This report of the inquiry reflects written submissions from nearly 150 organisations and individuals from around Australia as well as consultations with senior representatives of all Australian Governments and many industry, professional, trade union, consumer and other organisations. The inquiry found strong and widespread community support for implementing an effective national competition policy. There is a significant awareness of the opportunities such a policy offers Australia to improve international competitiveness and hence living standards. Contents: Towards a national competition policy; Part one, 'Competitive conduct rules': Overview of competitive conduct rules; Anti-competitive agreements; Misuse of market power, mergers and other rules; Scope of application: principles and issues; Scope of application: review by sectors and activity; Enforcement; Part two, 'Additional policy elements': Overview of additional policy elements; Regulatory restrictions on competition; Structural reform of public monopolies; Access to 'essential facilities'; Monopoly pricing; Competitive neutrality; Part three, 'Implementation': Institutional arrangements; Legal, transitional and resource issues. Show less