Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives Students completing this subject 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 Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth); and (3) have an understanding of the scope and content of the competition provisions of the Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth).
Synopsis The objectives of competition law; background to the current competition provisions of the Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth); administration of the act; basic economic concepts of market, market power and competition; the rationale and content of the prohibitions and related provisions contained in the competition provisions of the Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth), namely the prohibitions against anti-competitive mergers, 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.
Assessment Written assignment (3000 words): 30% and final examination (2.5 hours): 70% or final examination (3.5 hours): 100%