LAW4318 - Competition law - 2018

The objectives of competition law. Background to the current competition provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) and relevant State 'application' legislation. Administration of the act. Basic economic concepts of market, market power and competition. The prohibitions and related provisions contained in the competition provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth), namely the prohibitions against anti-competitive mergers and anti-competitive agreements. Misuse of market power. Exclusive dealing. Resale price maintenance. The provisions dealing with authorisation and notification of conduct which may otherwise be in breach of the act. Penalties and remedies.

Students completing this unit should:

1. have an appreciation of the competing schools of thought on the objectives of competition law
2. be able to assess the circumstances under which conduct may substantially lessen competition and have a basic understanding of the economic concepts which underlie the competition provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) and relevant State 'application' legislation
3. have an understanding of the scope and content of the competition provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) and relevant State 'application' legislation.

Assignment (1500 words): 30% and examination (2 hours writing time plus 30 minutes reading and noting time): 70% OR examination (2 hours writing time plus 30 minutes reading and noting time): 100%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. The unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information