The Assistant Treasurer Senator Rod Kemp has asked the Productivity Commission (PC) to commence the scheduled review of the Market Based Activities of the Australian Communications Authority (ACA).
The broad purpose of the review is to identify restrictions on competition arising from spectrum management rules and processes. In addition the review will examine aspects of the Radiocommunications Act 1992 and related legislation. While this legislation was the subject of a recent review, conducted by officials, the Government is now requesting that the PC examine further the competition aspects of the Act and related legislation.
The PC review forms part of a comprehensive review of existing legislation that the Commonwealth committed to undertake when, along with all Australian Governments, it signed the Competition Principles Agreement in 1995. The Commonwealth is also committed to reviewing legislation that affects business.
The PC will shortly release an issues paper and invite expressions of interest from anyone wanting to participate in the review. I encourage all interested parties to make submissions to the Commission and attend its public hearings.
MELBOURNE
16 July 2001
Media contacts:
Richard Wise Assistant Treasurers Office (02) 6277 7360