Transtasman regulatory co-operation has gone a step further with cross-appointments between the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Commerce Commission.Commerce Commission chairman Dr Mark Berry has been appointed as an associate
Transtasman regulatory co-operation has gone a step further with cross-appointments between the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Commerce Commission.
Commerce Commission chairman Dr Mark Berry has been appointed as an associate member of the ACCC and will be in a position to participate in all matters brought before the ACCC.
Meanwhile, ACCC member Dr Jill Walker will join the Commerce Commission as an associate member and will participate in matters relating to the Commerce and Fair Trading Acts.
She will be involved in particular issues that have a transtasman dimension such as merger clearance work involving trans-Tasman market developments.
The two are expected to carry out most of their work from their respective countries but may cross the Tasman from time to time.
They have been appointed for three-year terms from December 1, 2010 to November 30, 2013.
The cross-appointments are one of the key outcomes under the Single Economic Market Outcomes Framework announced by the Australian and New Zealand Prime Ministers in August last year.
Commerce Minister Simon Power said the appointments would support convergence in the way the two regulators approach similar issues under competition and consumer laws.
“This will lead to more efficient and effective processes, and reduce business compliance costs for those operating on both sides of the Tasman."
Australian parliamentary secretary to the Treasurer David Bradbury said, “This is a significant step that will further enhance the cooperation and coordination between these regulators and will improve the alignment and administration of competition and consumer laws between our countries.”
