Competition

Competition has been the driver of economic growth over the centuries.  Reforms in Australia in the past 30 years have invigorated this.  However those reforms also have carried the seed of competition impediments.  The creation and staffing of agencies like the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has meant well resourced organisations seeking to impose their own preferred approaches onto markets.  Sometimes this has resulted in cost-imposing actions, for example in petrol marketing, electricity supply and the use of infrastructure by owners. 

 

The ACCC has also been delinquent in addressing competition inhibitions created by union action preventing businesses from accessing the cheapest supply source when such sources are not heavily unionised (with associated cost excesses).