Auto industry welcomes port monopoly crackdown
December 4, 2009 by Matt Brogan
The peak body representing the Australian automotive industry, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), has welcomed an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) decision to impose tough new conditions on port facilities operator, Australian Amalgamated Terminals (AAT).
The ACCC has today imposed three conditions on the operations of AAT including; a price review mechanism, a dispute resolution process and a condition allowing other stevedores greater access to ports.
“The ACCC has taken substantive action to address the industry’s concerns and has imposed appropriate conditions on AAT’s operations,” FCAI Chief Executive Andrew McKellar said.
“This determination vindicates the concerns expressed by the automotive industry for some time that AAT has exercised excessive market power.
“If anything the competition watchdog has strengthened its response in this final determination.
“In particular, we welcome the addition of the price review condition that will ensure future changes in port charges are subjected to a process of independent and transparent scrutiny.”
with FCAI
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What does this mean for the consumer? Nothing! The car companies will have greater price negotiation and greater profits.
What does this article have to do with anything.