Continued coordination in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; int'l agreement for regulators to cooperate on cross-border investigations; Oscar Wylee penalised $3.5m; Pfizer's Upjohn merger cleared with Mylan; ACCC examines competition in mobile apps market; and new Energy Tech Consumer Code ...

News Code of Conduct update: ACCC releases a draft code for comment; HealthEngine to pay $2.9 million for ACL breaches; ACCC flags enforcement in the electricity market; Next chapter of the gas inquiry; Alstom's acquisition of Bombardier Transport cleared; and more COVID cooperation. ...

The ACCC pursues Sumo Power over its electricity plans; interim report on Murray–Darling Water Markets Inquiry; 'prepayment' examined by Federal Court in ACCC v TPG; Locality Planning Energy fined for alleged breach of the Electricity Retail Code; and proceedings against Decathlon over sale of allegedly unsafe sporting goods. ...

Amidst increased scrutiny by the Therapeutic Goods Administration and the ACCC, Australian businesses which manufacture personal protective equipment (PPE), detergents and hand sanitiser must remain on top of changes to product laws in the healthcare space in order to avoid potential liability. ...

ACCC seeks clarity on unconscionable conduct; ACCC clears Elanco's acquisition of Bayer's animal health business; ACCC chimes in on transparency in music licensing; Medibank receives $5 million penalty for misrepresentations to members; Kogan misled consumers with EOFY promotion; and continued cooperation in the era of COVID-19 ...

ACCC to monitor domestic airlines; Qantas offers refunds for flight cancellations; High Court appeal for Pacific National/Aurizon decision; wine grape contract terms under scrutiny; new research on consumer understanding of electricity offers; and ACCC authorises coal producers to negotiate collectively ...

The ACCC's action against Lime demonstrates that businesses must carefully consider what actions may constitute a 'recall', particularly where electronic products are supplied. It also serves as a reminder that product safety issues can be regarded as a breach of the Australian Consumer Law and can give rise to pecuniary penalties. ...

In COVID-19 news, the authorisation permitting insurers to coordinate on temporary relief measures is being proposed to be extended; and the ACCC has imposed further conditions on coordination between health insurers. Elsewhere, the ACCC has rejected a proposal to set minimum advertised prices for Dewalt power tools, declaring any public benefit was outweighed by the potential consumer detriments. The Federal Court has declined to make declaration that Quantum Housing engaged in unconscionable conduct; and also found in favour of Kimberly-Clark Australia by dismissing the ACCC's appeal regarding Kleenex flushable wipes. Finally, the ACCC has raised concerns with Google's proposed acquisition of Fitbit; and also stated that Caravanning Queensland's proposed 'loyalty program' may raise competition concerns. ...

The decision in ACCC v Kimberly-Clark Australia identifies pleading and evidentiary issues in the ACCC's case, and provides useful guidance for companies about how courts will interpret product representations and what will be considered the relevant 'context' of representations made in marketing ...

COVID-19 and competition and consumer law issues; ACCC fines Queensland Yoghurt Company; news media bargaining code; Holden agrees to reduce speed of engagement with dealers over compensation; ACCC CDR accreditation platform now live; Voltaren gel decision in Federal Court; and EB Games to refund customers after not playing fair. ...