Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 200905

Coordinator Adrian Coorey Opens in new window

Description This unit examines the main competition law provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth). Specifically, it examines the key concepts and economic principles that form the basis of competition law, the relevant case law, the available statutory remedies, and enforcement powers of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. This unit will provide students with an in-depth understanding of the theoretical basis of competition law as well as a practical understanding of how the competition provisions (including restrictive trade practices and cartel provisions) are applied.

School Law

Discipline Law

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 3 subject

Pre-requisite(s) LAWS 2003

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of Australian competition law, policy and related public and private remedies.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the enforcement powers of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
3. Apply Australian competition law definitions and concepts to analysing and solving practical problems and theoretical legal issues.
4. Demonstrate a critical appreciation of current and proposed legislative amendments relevant to Australian competition law.
5. Accurately and ethically reference (using the Australian Guide to Legal Citation) legal information from a range of primary and secondary sources.
6. Use a range of legal research tools to locate and interrogate primary and secondary legal information.

Subject Content

1. Development of competition law and application of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth).
2. Market definition.
3. Market power and substantial lessening of competition.
4. Cartels.
5. Anti-competitive contracts.
6. Misuse of market power.
7. Exclusive dealings.
8. Resale price maintenance.
9. Mergers and acquisitions.
10. Authorisation and notification.
11. Private remedies.
12. Public remedies.
13. Role of the ACCC, enforcement policies and procedures.
14. ACCC investigative powers.