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Articles on Harper Review

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Answering what is considered a substantial lessening of competition is not easy. Image sourced from www.shutterstock.com

Changes to competition laws may hurt consumers

A recent legal case illustrates why the government has made a mistake in changing its market misuse law.
Publishers need to stop indulging in apocalyptic fantasies of doom and destruction. Kevin O'Mara

Parallel importation and Australian book publishing: here we go again

The Australian government yesterday announced it intends to repeal parallel importation restrictions on books, which has again caused concern in the publishing industry. But, really, what’s the problem?
The government’s response to Ian Harper’s competition recommendations should underpin the next 20 years of Australia’s economic growth. AAP/Lukas Coch

Harper response is good economics and smart politics

The response to the Harper recommendations on competition policy reform was mature and wisely sidestepped the issue that could derail debate on it.
While Microsoft, Google and Apple have had to answer questions in Canberra about whether they meet their tax obligations, their media activities seemingly defy regulation. AAP/Nikki Short

It’s time for Australians to rewind the media policy machine

Current regulations are a complete mismatch for today’s media practices and structures. While politicians shy from the debate, it’s time to heed public opinion and revisit the Finkelstein Report.
ACCC chairman Rod Sims is among those advocating a so-called ‘effects test’ to determine whether market power has been misused. Alan Porritt/AAP

Competition debate must move beyond effects test battle

Both big and small business have much at stake in competition policy reform, but they need to move on from simplistic arguments about misuse of market power.
It’s personal: why shouldn’t consumers reclaim the rich data trail they create? Image sourced from Shutterstock.com

Why it’s time for companies to give us back our data

The competition review could help shed light on whether Australian companies are willing to share the data they hold on us as consumers.
While selfies have become a staple of political life, voters’ loyalty beyond the moment can no longer be taken for granted – a new reality the major parties must adapt to if they want to survive. Lukas Coch/AAP

Australian politics’ Kodak moment spells trouble for the major parties

The same forces of disruption that are changing industries and economies around the world are now having a discernible effect on Australian politics – and that’s bad news for the major parties.
Whether the Harper Review might stoke competition in the retail grocery sector remains to be seen. AAP/Dan Peled

Harper Review: a mixed basket for Coles and Woolworths

Supermarket giants are predictably opposed to Harper Review’s effects test, but the report is a mixed bag when it comes to other retail competition issues.
The competition policy review is just another difficult conversation for the Abbott government. Gary Schafer/AAP

Government writing reform cheques it’s unlikely to cash

Big reforms in taxation and competition policy are on the table for the Abbott government, but has it spent too much political capital to get any of them across the line?
Economist Ian Harper has delivered the final report in the most comprehensive review of competition law and policy in more than 20 years. Mark Graham/AAP

Harper makes case for competition overhaul: experts react

The removal of restrictions on retail trading hours, pharmacies and parallel imports, and a controversial “effects test” on existing misuse of market power rules are among the many recommendations contained…
The Harper competition policy review recommendations include changing the way misuse of market power can be prosecuted. Image sourced from www.shutterstock.com

Explainer: what is the competition ‘effects test’?

The “effects test” aims to boost prosecutions for misuse of market power. But will it really make it easier for the ACCC to win cases?

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