Supermarkets abandon restrictive lease terms Sep 19, 2009
Competition in groceries is good for consumers,'' the Minister for Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs, Craig Emerson, said. Aldi, the low-price supermarket that stands to benefit from the reforms, said the restrictive leases had been a big factor preventing its expansion in eastern states. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Holding line on competition in uncertain times Sep 15, 2009
But Australia is, in fact, in rude competitive health, because our competition policy has allowed, in fact encouraged, this market evolution to take place ... Intervening in cases of pro-competitive behaviour is just another form of protection, soundly rejected by all Australian governments and all major political parties with the adoption of competition policy in 1995 ... Now, more than ever, the ACCC needs to stand firm to prevent the erosion of sound, competition policy that has served the... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Legends in our own minds Sep 13, 2009
Craig Emerson is the federal Minister for Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs, Minister for Small Business, Independent Contractors and the Service Economy, and Minister Assisting the Finance Minister on Deregulation. Join the conversation. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Remarks by Assistant Attorney General Christine A. Varney at the Competition Conference of the International Bar Association Sep 13, 2009
(12) See Mario Monti, European Comm'r, DG Competition, European Comm'n, EU Competition Policy after May 2004, at 8 (Oct. 24, 2003), available at http://europa. (PR Newswire)
Are Consumers Paying Too Much for Text-Messaging? Sep 11, 2009
That prompted Senator Herbert Kohl, the Wisconsin Democrat who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee's subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, to hold hearings on the matter in June. At those hearings, Srinivasan Keshav, a professor at the University of Waterloo in Ontario and an expert on mobile computing, presented a detailed analysis of all the expenses that carriers incur in handling SMS messages. (Time.com)
Europe steps in Sep 4, 2009
FOLLOWERS of competition policy had expected the next big antitrust news to come out of Washington. After all, the administration of Barack Obama has let it be known that it would be more vigilant, particularly with regard to information technology. (The Economist)
Updated: Court Throws Out FCC's 30% Cable Subscriber Cap Aug 29, 2009
He made that clear this week in announcing an inquiry into wireless competition, saying: "This is an important step in the process of laying a solid foundation for predictable, fact-based competition policy in the wireless sector, a process that will continue with the other competition reports the agency is responsible for preparing.". More Content. (Multichannel News)
FCC begins broader examination of wireless market Aug 28, 2009
In July, Herb Kohl, a Democrat from Wisconsin, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, sent letters to Genachowski and Christine Varney, the new head of the antitrust division at the Justice Department, urging them to take action to promote competition in the wireless industry. The FCC has already sent a strong signal that it intends to step in when it sees potential problems in the industry. (Boston Globe)
FCC inquiries could spawn new wireless regulations Aug 28, 2009
chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, sent letters to Genachowski and , the new head of the antitrust division at the Justice Department, urging them to take action to promote competition in the wireless industry. The FCC has already sent a strong signal that it intends to step in when it sees potential problems in the industry. (USA Today -- Money)
Ethiopia: Reform Stagnant, Productivity Level Very Low - WB Investment Report Aug 27, 2009
With the improved business registration, tax administration, and competition policy, the survey also suggested that the perceptions managers have of the investment climate in the country has improved dramatically since the first Investment Climate Survey in 2001. "But reforms appeared to have stalled," indicated the report, entitled Investment climate and Competitiveness in Ethiopia, adding Ethiopian products remain uncompetitive in international markets. (allAfrica.com)
Left in the lurch Aug 26, 2009
The minister for competition policy and consumer affairs, Craig Emerson, has indicated he is happy with the laws governing insurance, even though there is no direct law against writing in an unfair clause. Some products carry policy exclusions that are so onerous as to negate any benefit to the policyholder. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
AP: Efforts to Reform BCS Face Tall Order in Congress Aug 17, 2009
Hatch, who held a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee's subcommittee on antitrust, competition policy and consumer rights last month, has focused more on getting the Justice Department to investigate the BCS for antitrust violations. He told the AP he's working on letters to both the department and Obama making that case. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
Branson complains about BA tie-up Aug 15, 2009
The BA decision is seen as a key test for future US competition policy. Industry 'minnow. (BBC News -- Business)
Why Politics Matters—for Business Schools Aug 11, 2009
As a result, competition policy went to sleep, allowing for the growth of a massive financial industry characterized by unbounded incentives for excessive risk-taking. Politics and Management Education. (BusinessWeek)
Critics bite over lack of action on grocery sector reform Aug 7, 2009
The Minister for Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs, Craig Emerson, abandoned the website less than a week before its scheduled launch in June. Choice, the organisation which was to run the website, said little had been implemented since the report. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Woolworths, Coles May Face Greater Leasing Competition, Australian Reports Aug 1, 2009
The federal government will push state governments to remove barriers to entry in grocery retailing, the newspaper reported, citing an interview with , minister for competition policy, consumer affairs and small business. To contact the reporter on this story: in Sydney at. (Bloomberg -- Australia & New Zealand)
Hands Off Microsoft-Yahoo, Please Jul 31, 2009
Herb Kohl, chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights exhibited similar hubris when he said the deal "warrants our careful scrutiny." The Democrat from Wisconsin, who seems to have a longtime obsession with telling companies how to conduct their business, threatened to sic "my subcommittee" on the agreement's participants ... "The issue," he said, "provides (the Justice Department) with an opportunity to put on their thinking caps and come forward... (Investors Business Daily)
Is UPA committed to competition? Jul 28, 2009
For instance, in its policy document, Inclusive Growth adopted by the National Development Council in December, 2008, there is a clear recommendation for the adoption of a national competition policy. Among other good competition principles, it asks the government to promote competitive neutrality actively. (India Times)
Savings 'postcode lottery' claim Jul 25, 2009
"The findings indicate that geography is only one of many factors which influence interest rates set by banks," said Dr Ashton, of the Economic and Social Research Council Centre for Competition Policy at UEA.. Account access. (BBC News -- Business)
Choice seeks power to force action on complaints Jul 13, 2009
The push comes in the wake of the Grocery Choice debacle, which was scuttled by the Minister for Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs, Craig Emerson, just five days before it was due to begin this month. Choice's chief executive, Nick Stace, said a decision had yet to be made as to whether his organisation would push ahead with an independent grocery price comparison website. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
The art in Platinum's timing Jul 10, 2009
That's the problem when you walk out of the white hot boilerhouse of helping to run the country's competition policy and ascend the ivory towers of academia. 1. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Retail sectors are under the spotlight across the globe Jul 10, 2009
" Competition policy Its 2008 report noted that an effective competition policy made a key contribution to the broader economy with a positive impact on economic growth, innovation and living standards. "The benefits to consumers (of effective competition policy) include lower prices, better product quality, greater choice and more innovation. " What the UK authorities had to establish had to do with whether the interests of UK consumers are well served by grocery retailers, whether competition... (Business Report, South Africa)
Hatch wants feds to investigate BCS Jul 9, 2009
Herb Kohl, a Wisconsin Democrat who chairs the Judiciary Committee s subcommittee on antitrust, competition policy and consumer rights, left a few minutes after starting the hearing. New York Democratic Sen. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Sen. Hatch suggests Justice Department look at BCS Jul 8, 2009
"There is an arrogance to the BCS that just drives me nuts," Hatch said at a subcommittee meeting on antitrust, competition policy and consumer rights. "That comes with power; they have the power, and they are exercising it. "It's time to throw open the door and reconsider their position. (USA Today -- Sports)
Senate tackles Bowl Championship Series Jul 8, 2009
Orrin Hatch of Utah, the hearing by the Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights subcommittee provided a sounding board for his state's disappointment over the inability of the undefeated University of Utah to qualify for the BCS national championship game last January. The BCS operates under an agreement among the major college football conferences that decides which teams qualify for the biggest bowl games each season, including the national championship game. (CNN -- US)
THE TO-DO LIST: 10 things you should check out this week Jul 7, 2009
One week after for Sports Illustrated asking whether the BCS violates the Sherman Antitrust Act, Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) has before the Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights (2:30 p.m. ET, C-SPAN). The Senate is also hosting a Webcast of the hearing. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Senate to hold hearing on college football's BCS Jul 2, 2009
The hearing will be held next Tuesday in the Judiciary Committee's subcommittee on antitrust, competition policy and consumer rights, according to a posting on the committee's Web site. Sen. (Ionia Sentinel-Standard, MI)
Families save $1.85 a week on the bottom line Jul 2, 2009
The Minister for Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs, Craig Emerson, said the savings figure of $96 was based on overseas surveys, with the published data on savings divided by the total number of households. Juggling two brands of peanut butter and grappling with the various economic merits of fruit bran cereal versus porridge for breakfast, Dr Emerson launched the official start of unit pricing at the Marrickville Aldi supermarket, a stone's throw from where another launch was meant to... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Economics focus: Deliver us from competition Jul 2, 2009
There is clearly some tension between financial-stability goals and the tenets of competition policy, which hold that oligopolies are inefficient and serve consumers badly. Nevertheless, many policymakers seem to think that some curbs on competition may be a price worth paying to improve stability. (The Economist)
Rudd's new basket case Jun 28, 2009
The embarrassing backdown on an election promise, its controversial timing and the influence the giant supermarket retailers Woolworths and Coles may have exerted over Minister for Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs Craig Emerson are set to be examined by the powerful Senate Economics Reference Committee. The committee is controlled by a combination of Coalition MPs and Senator Xenophon, who said yesterday he had the numbers to institute an inquiry. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Labor breaks promise on cheaper groceries Jun 27, 2009
After a heated meeting in Canberra yesterday, attended by Coles, Woolworths, Franklins, Aldi and Metcash executives, the Minister for Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs, Craig Emerson, made the decision to scrap the website. Dr Emerson denied he had been bullied into the decision. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Grocery Choice project in tatters Jun 26, 2009
Following a heated meeting in Canberra on Friday morning which was attended by Coles, Woolworths, Franklins, Aldi and Metcash executives, the minister for competition policy and consumer affairs, Craig Emerson, made the decision to scrap the grocery price monitoring website, just six days before its scheduled launch next Wednesday. Dr Emerson denied he had been bullied into the decision, which he said was his alone. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Labor's $14.7 billion in education spending is wasteful and inefficient. Jun 19, 2009
Helen Coonan is a Liberal senator from New South Wales, and is Shadow Minister for Finance, Competition Policy and Deregulation. Recent Entries. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Wireless Giants Deny Price-Fixing Texts Jun 18, 2009
Executives from ATVerizon Communications testified before the Senate Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, saying their companies have not been involved in a conspiracy to hike text messaging rates. And they argued that competition is alive and well in the wireless market. (CBS News)
Rudd announces changes to federal ministry Jun 6, 2009
Dr Craig Emerson, currently Minister for Small Business, Independent Contractors and the Service Economy and Minister Assisting the Finance Minister on Deregulation, will also become Minister for Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs ... MINISTERS- Joseph Ludwig: Cabinet Secretary and Special Minister of State, continues as Manager of Government Business (Senate)- John Faulkner: Minister for Defence- Greg Combet: Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel, and Science, Minister Assisting... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Losing our voice May 30, 2009
The Government could pass antitrust legislation as has been done in US, Canada and the UK." Yet West concludes this is unlikely. "Competition policy has failed," he writes. "It is too late. " This then is the ghost of Christmas future that now haunts Australian writers and readers. To trust companies like Coles and Woolworths, companies with this sort of record, with the Australian book industry, is like inviting the Taliban to babysit the Obama children. No one should express surprise with what... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
East Africa: Comesa on Track With Establishing Customs Union May 29, 2009
This will address issues of policy space, sensitive products, customs management code, free circulation of goods, elimination of rules of origin, export processing zones (EPZs), trade remedies, competition policy, sanitary and phyto-sanitary (SPS) measures and technical standards programmes. The policy will also determine revenue sharing amongst the union's members. (allAfrica.com)
Your say Have you been ripped off? May 21, 2009
Competition policy in this country is a big joke - the big Four might as well be the Big One. Will we see any changes to fees via competition in the next few years - hell no. Like every other market, there's only a few players, charging what they want. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
EU rules: Be successful, be punished May 20, 2009
In competition policy, fair is nebulously defined afterward. In Intel's case, the EU commission didn't bother to specify which Intel marketplace practice was not fair. (Globe and Mail -- Technology)
EU Regulators Slap Intel With $1.45B Fine May 15, 2009
"Intel abused its dominant position on the market for computer chips known as 'x86 central processing units' in violation of Article 82 of the EC Treaty," Neelie Kroes, the EC's commissioner for competition policy, said during a press conference today. "Throughout the period ... Intel held at least 70 percent of the worldwide market in these chips. The fact that Intel had such a large market share is not a problem in itself. What is a problem is that Intel abused its dominant position.... (SmallBusinessComputing)
Business.view: The more the merrier? May 13, 2009
The more the merrier. May 12th 2009From Economist. (The Economist)
New Trustbuster Sends A Message May 12, 2009
"As antitrust enforcers, we cannot sit on the sidelines any longer - both in terms of enforcing the antitrust laws and contributing to sound competition policy as part of our nation's economic policy.". So how might the difference in practice between the Obama and Bush-led Justice Departments boil down in terms of different philosophy. (CBS News)
Assistant Attorney General Christine A. Varney to Deliver Remarks at the Center for American Progress and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce May 9, 2009
Assistant Attorney General Varney will address the Center for American Progress on MONDAY, MAY 11, 2009, at 9:30 A.M. ET and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's International Competition Policy Working Group and the Antitrust Council on TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2009, at 2:00 P.M. ET. ... U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE'S INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION POLICY WORKING GROUP AND THE ANTITRUST COUNCIL. (PR Newswire)
Watchdog wants to ring Dodo's neck May 8, 2009
A spokesman for the Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs Minister, Chris Bowen, said changes to the Trade Practices Act, to be introduced to Parliament in June, would "enhance powers for the ACCC" including allowing it to impose financial penalties and seek refunds on behalf of consumers. Dodo's managing director, Larry Kestelman, said in a statement this afternoon: "Although we had no intention to mislead any consumers, we will work harder to make sure that our offers are clear and straight... (Sydney Morning Herald)
'Crisis is critical period for competition regulators' May 3, 2009
It is easy to imagine how 10 years of effective competition policy implementation can be undone in short order. Lewis has played a critical role in ensuring that South Africa has a vigorous competition policy environment, but he is troubled about the challenges he foresees for enforcers locally and globally. (Business Report, South Africa)
The current economic turmoil is certainly a cause for concern, but it also can be a time for opportunity and hope - if we are prepared to take bold action Apr 15, 2009
Finally, the Report encourages the federal government to adopt the Competition Policy Review Panel's recommendations, that in the globalizing economy the best defence for our companies is a good offence. The Report also draws on some new research that indicates that, while Canadian companies are among the best managed in the world, they have potential for improvement. (Canada Newswire)
Copps Names Raft Of FCC Appointments Apr 3, 2009
Julie Veach, deputy bureau chief of the Wireline Competition Bureau and acting chief of the Competition Policy Division, has been named acting bureau chief of the bureau ... William Dever will handle Veach's former duties as acting chief of the Competition Policy Division ... Nicole McGinnis, CGB deputy chief, will become assistant division chief, spectrum and competition policy division, Wireles Telecommunications Bureau. (Multichannel News)
Lester Munson and Paula Lavigne » Apr 1, 2009
Hatch has added the BCS to the agenda of the Senate Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, and he intends to hold an investigatory hearing and to introduce legislation. "I'm not sure now what the legislation will provide, but anything would be better than what we have now," Hatch said. (ESPN -- College Football News)
Senate to review antitrust issues involving BCS Mar 26, 2009
The current system "leaves nearly half of all the teams in college football at a competitive disadvantage when it comes to qualifying for the millions of dollars paid out every year," the Senate Judiciary's subcommittee on antitrust, competition policy and consumer rights said in a statement Wednesday announcing the hearings. Under the BCS, some conferences get automatic bids to participate in series, while others do not. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NCAA Football)
Proposals to emerge from study Mar 22, 2009
Riaan de Lange and Reyno Seymore, trade and competition policy experts, say SA's tariff policy needed to go back to basics. The tariff book "requires simplification" and should be reviewed. (Business Report, South Africa)
Pelosi goes to bat to keep Bay Area papers alive Mar 18, 2009
The speaker said the issue of newspapers' survival and antitrust law will be the subject of a hearing soon before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts and Competition Policy, chaired by Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
What is the true value of your plasma's extended warranty? Mar 13, 2009
The Minister for Competition Policy & Consumer Affairs, Chris Bowen, while stopping short of Hammurabi's more violent flourishes, has shown he and the government are very keen to make their mark on Australia's consumer protection legislation. This has the potential to significantly impact the tech sector, with its reliance on standard form, "take it or leave it" contracts like software licences and telco service agreements. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Technology)
Dhanendra Kumar, Chairman, Competition Commission of India Mar 11, 2009
We will also take up the advocacy role in a big way in order to sensitise all stakeholders on how a sound competition policy would benefit them and this itself, I presume, would obviate our regulatory interventions to a certain extent. Continued. (India Times)
It's time for Canada's digital revolution Mar 2, 2009
Tom Jenkins is executive chairman and chief strategy officer of Waterloo's Open Text Corp. He is also chairman of the Centre of Excellence Corridor for Advancing Canadian Digital Media, and a member of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, the Competition Policy Review Panel and the Ontario Commercialization Network Review Committee. Recommend this article. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Ticketmaster: AEG May Cancel If Merger Succeeds Feb 27, 2009
"Others will most certainly leave if this merger is consummated," Azoff testified before the House subcommittee on courts and competition policy. "AEG has notified us by letter that they believe they have the right to terminate our agreement in connection with this merger.". (ABC News -- Wire)
When 'I Accept' is not really 'I Accept' Feb 26, 2009
- Review SFOAs: The Minister for Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs, Chris Bowen, hopes to fast track the new provisions into law by January 1, 2010. Organisations will have to review their existing terms and conditions to ensure compliance with the new laws taking into account this timeframe. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Technology)
TicketsNow big part of Senate discussion Feb 26, 2009
The hearing of the Senate subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, chaired by Kohl (D-Wis. looked at the recent situation where buyers of Bruce Springsteen concert tickets on Ticketmaster were redirected to TicketsNow, where tickets were more expensive and charges were much higher. (Milwaukee Business Journal, WI)
Feds start Live Nation-Ticketmaster probe Feb 25, 2009
The Senate's subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights will meet today for a hearing titled "The Ticketmaster/Live Nation Merger: What Does it Mean for Consumers and the Future of the Concert Business?". According to the reports, Ticketmaster CEO Irving Azoff and Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino are among those who will appear before the subcommittee. (New Mexico Business Weekly, NM)
Hearings set on Live Nation merger Feb 25, 2009
The Senate's subcommittee on antitrust, competition policy and consumer rights is scheduled to meet today for a hearing titled, "The Ticketmaster/Live Nation Merger: What Does it Mean for Consumers and the Future of the Concert Business?". Live Nation, based in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Washington Business Journal, DC)
Live Nation and Ticketmaster CEOs Outline Benefits of Merger Feb 25, 2009
The two music industry leaders discussed the challenges facing their industry at a hearing on the merger and future of the concert business convened by the Senate Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Antitrust Competition Policy and Consumer Rights. "Clinging to old ways and fighting change is not the answer. Together with artists, local promoters and venues, and my new partner Irving, we want to offer some solutions. I'm not claiming we have all the answers, but we can be on the leading edge... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Union in Crisis Feb 24, 2009
Aid packages for French and German banks go against the spirit of EU competition policy. Despite summit meetings and expressions of good will in seeking joint solutions, the actions of major EU countries make it clear that priorities are overwhelmingly domestic, whatever the repercussions for weaker neighbors and, longer term, for themselves. (YaleGlobal Online Magazine, CT)
Agriculture, our Economy, and the EPAs: What Should Prez Mills Do? Feb 19, 2009
The EPAs also carry binding rules on investment, government procurement and competition policy. Under this, the government would not be able to discriminate against foreign (EU) investors. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Iron-clad gym contracts will get a workout Feb 17, 2009
The Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs, Chris Bowen, will today announce the regulations as part of a new national consumer law. The regulations will cover standard contracts. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Cartel crackdown bill passes lower house Feb 11, 2009
Competition Policy Minister Chris Bowen said jail would deter would-be cartel operators more than fines. "Serious cartel behaviour is theft from consumers," he told parliament. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
