New National Competition Policy Website

On 1 June the National Competition Council launched two new websites:

• The main National Competition Council site provides information on third party access to monopoly infrastructure
• The new National Competition Policy (NCP) provides a wealth of information on the National Competition Policy Reform Program from 1995-2005

The new NCP site includes a full electronic copy of the Hilmer Report, National Competition Policy Agreements, information about key NCP reforms and who implemented those reforms, NCP implementation assessments, NCP payments and Australia’s follow on reform program.

The Council has also commenced publication of a new electronic newsletter to be published every second month (electronic subscription available).

These websites are a great improvement on the often clunky former NCC site.

Access Regime Reform

Chris Bowen MP (Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs) today announced that he had commenced consultation with States and territories on reforms to the National Access Regime which aim to ‘improve the efficiency, timeliness and effectiveness of regulatory decision-making’ under Part III of the TPA.  Legislation to amend the Regime is expected to be introduced in mid-2009, following the consultation process.

View Press Release.