Sustainability-related Regulations Database

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Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth)

Description: A short description of the legislation.

The object of this Act is to enhance the welfare of Australians through the promotion of competition and fair trading and provision for consumer protection

Application to Australian agriculture: Where the legislation is applicable.

Competition is an essential element of well-functioning markets and supply chains in Australia. This is especially important for the agricultural supply chain. Agriculture relies upon open and transparent marketplaces that promote competition within agricultural supply chains, enabling farmers to access requisite inputs and sell their produce at a competitive price.

Compliance information: Often the evidence of compliance against a piece of legislation is that there is not a breach of the Act. Where appropriate, the developers of this database have listed evidence which could be used to show compliance if a breach was to be found. Many Best Management Practice (BMP) schemes and other certifications in Australian agriculture include this evidence for accreditation.

The following documentation/information is required to provide evidence of compliance.

An absence of behaviour which is prohibited by the Act and compliance with Industry Codes of Conduct which sit underneath the Act. This includes, for example, an absence of misuse of market power, unfair contract terms, and unconscionable conduct. Parties to relevant agricultural or supply chain codes of conduct should adhere to those provisions (both voluntary and mandatory) including; the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct, the Horticulture Code of Conduct, the Dairy Industry Code of Conduct, and so on.

Additional information: The entity this legislation originates from.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) promotes competition and fair trade in markets to benefit consumers, businesses, and the community and ensures compliance with the Competition and Consumer Act. The ACCC conducts random compliance checks under these codes and investigates alleged breaches. →

Source documents: Links to the legislation documents.