Lower house passes competition law changes

Changes to competition laws have passed the lower house but may be stymied in the Senate despite the Greens supporting their broad thrust.

Treasurer Scott Morrison insists Australians will benefit from new laws aimed at protecting two million small businesses from bigger rivals.

But there's doubt as to whether they will get through the Senate.

Parliament's lower house passed the legislation on Tuesday, despite opposition from Labor and concerns from within the government.

The so-called "effects test" bill strengthens rules that prevent companies with substantial market power engaging in conduct that harms competition.

Mr Morrison says it represents one of the most significant reforms to competition laws in recent times.

It will ensure a level playing field in business, including for over two million small local companies.

"To the ultimate benefit of Australian consumers," Mr Morrison told MPs.

Liberal backbencher Craig Kelly criticised the changes during debate on Monday night, concerned it would make it harder to prove breaches of competition law.

"It will be a number of years until the courts determine the effect of this legislation and I hope that I'm wrong," he said.

While the Greens have been fighting for the law changes, the government's chances of getting the bill through the Senate may be in jeopardy.

The minor party has concerns about other parts of the legislation that remove existing mechanisms covering the telecommunications sector.

There are also concerns around penalties for secondary boycotts.


Share

2 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world