Australian Competition Law

Description

Australian competition law plays a crucial role in ensuring fair and competitive markets across industries. This course explores the legal framework governing competition in Australia, focusing on the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (CCA).

Designed for professionals, business owners, legal practitioners, and students, this course offers a structured understanding of the key principles that regulate market conduct, prevent anti-competitive behaviour, and promote consumer welfare.

The course covers essential aspects of competition law, including restrictive trade practices, cartel conduct, misuse of market power, and merger regulations. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how competition law is enforced by regulatory bodies such as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Australian Competition Tribunal. By analysing real-world cases and legal precedents, students will develop critical insights into how businesses must operate within the framework of competition regulation.

A major focus of this course is identifying and assessing various forms of anti-competitive conduct. This includes practices such as price-fixing, bid-rigging, market sharing, and exclusive dealing arrangements.

Another key component of the course is the study of merger control and how proposed business mergers are assessed for potential adverse effects on market competition. Students will learn about the processes involved in merger reviews, the legal tests applied by regulators, and the implications of merger decisions on businesses and consumers. Additionally, the course examines the misuse of market power, including how dominant firms must comply with competition laws to prevent unfair exclusionary conduct.

The course structure is designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical application. Legal principles will be illustrated with examples from ACCC decisions and significant court rulings. The course also provides insights into recent legislative changes and emerging trends in Australian competition law, ensuring that learners stay informed about the evolving regulatory landscape.

By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the skills to analyse competition law issues, assess legal risks for businesses, and apply regulatory principles effectively.

Whether you are a legal professional, a business executive, or a policymaker, this course will provide valuable expertise in navigating competition law compliance in Australia.

Estimated Time To Complete

• Analyse the key provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 to assess compliance with competition law.
• Evaluate the role of regulatory bodies, such as the ACCC, in enforcing competition law and addressing anti-competitive behaviour.
• Apply legal principles to case studies and hypothetical scenarios involving mergers, cartel conduct, and market power issues.
• Create strategic recommendations for businesses to ensure compliance with competition law while maintaining competitive advantage.