Group logistics solutions require ACCC approval

<p>Better coordination of infrastructure and logistics processes may be achieved through industry-based solutions &#8211 rather than mergers or acquisitions, the competition watchdog told industry last week.</p> <p>However, the formation of logistics chains or industry-based solutions to bottlenecks can raise serious trade practice concerns, in terms of potential anti-competitive arrangements.</p> <p>Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) chairman Graeme Samuel said even short-term solutions, such as arrangements surrounding coal-loading operations operating out of the Port of Newcastle and Dalrymple Bay, may require ACCC approval.</p> <p>&#8220Agreements &#8211 particularly between competitors that allocate and coordinate capacity &#8211 can raise trade practice concerns,&#8221 he said.</p> <p>Such arrangements require the authorisation of the ACCC. Provisions to obtain authorisations for anti-competitive arrangements are available, &#8220where it can be demonstrated they’re overwhelmingly in the public interest&#8221.</p> <p>&#8220I say with some degree of pride that the ACCC was able to deal with proposals for queue management systems at both Dalrymple Bay and Port Waratah very quickly in a way that was to benefit the coal producers in both those areas,&#8221 Mr Samuel said.</p> <br />