How Does the Trade Practices Act Operate?
Restrictive Practices A number of restrictive practices are regarded as being so inherently anti-competitive that they are prohibited absolutely, ie. without any assessment of their impact on competition. Other practices are only prohibited if they have the purpose or are likely to have the effect of lessening competition. Absolute Prohibitions Restrictive practices which are prohibited absolutely are: • Primary Boycotts This refers to situations where two or more competitors collaborate for the purpose of preventing or limiting the supply of goods or services to, or the acquisition of goods or services from, particular persons or classes of persons. Risk areas include trade association meetings and other opportunities for collusion amongst competitors. • Price Fixing between Competitors Any arrangement which has the purpose or effect of fixing, controlling or maintaining prices for, or any discount, allowance, rebate or credit in relation to, goods or services to be supplied or acquir
