The ACCC has authorised private hospitals in Victoria and Queensland to cooperate with ‘state health agencies, public hospitals and each other’ to prepare for and respond to COVID-19.

No public consultation took place before authorisation; public submissions may now be made and are due by 1 May 2020.

The ACCC is granting an unprecedented number of interim authorisations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sven Gallasch offers some useful commentary on these exemptions.

The ACCC has authorised major oil refiners and the Australian Institute of Petroleum to ‘discuss and put in place measures so fuel supplies remain available during the COVID-19 pandemic, and after the economic shutdown ends.‘

The ACCC has ‘granted interim authorisation to the Australian Energy Market Operator Limited (AEMO) to allow gas and electricity industry participants to co-operate on measures to ensure secure and reliable energy supply and integrity of wholesale markets during the COVID-19 pandemic.‘

The ACCC has authorised Medicines Australia, the Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association and their members to cooperate for the continued supply of essential medicines.

The ACCC has authorised shopping centre owners and managers to cooperate in relation to rent relief measures.

The ACCC has authorised insurance companies and brokers to work together to implement COVID-19 relief for small business.

The ACCC has granted interim authorisation to NSW Minerals Council and 10 coal producers to collectively negotiate with Port of Newcastle Operations - including in relation to prices.

The ACCC will not oppose the proposed acquisition of CUB by Asahi Group Holdings after Asahi underook to divest two beer brands (Stella Artois and Beck’s)and three cider brands (Strongbow, Bonamy’s and Little Green).

CUTS international has published:

An Evidence Based Analysis of Relevant Market: The Case of Ridesharing in Delhi National Capital Region (India)

The study was authored by Amol Kulkarni, Parveer Singh Ghuman, Swasti Gupta and Ujjwal Kumar (CUTS International)

The ACCC has ‘granted interim authorisation allowing NBN Co and five retail service providers (RSPs) to work together to take measures necessary to keep Australia’s telecommunications networks operating effectively during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as support consumers and small businesses adversely impacted by the pandemic.‘

The ACCC will allow wholesalers of medicines to co-operate ‘to facilitate distribution of essential medication and pharmacy products’, with ACCC Chair, Rod Sims, claiming the authorisation is ‘clearly in the national interest’.

The ACCC has not opposed the proposed acquisition of Adelaide Tools and Oaklands Mower Centre, after initially raising some concerns.

TX Australia, a broadcast tower joint venture between Nine and Seven, has taken action against the ACCC alleging it does not have the authority to mediate an access dispute with Network 10.

The ABA received another conditional interim authorisation from the ACCC to co-operate providing relief packages for individuals and businesses that have been affected by COVID-19.

Speaking in a webcast with the AFR, ACCC Chair, Rod Sims, said that the ACCC was working with businesses to authorise cooperation to support the community during the current crisis, but that competition has a critical role to play post COVID-19.

The ACCC has announced it will not oppose the proposed acquisition of Jewel Fine Foods (in voluntary administration since April 2019) by Coles Group subsidiary, Chef Fresh Pty Ltd.

The ACCC has established a COVID-19 Taskforce which is speaking to business “about their obligations in relation to cancellations, refunds and suspension of services as a result of COVID-19,” among other things.

The ACCC has announced that it plans to revoke an RPM notification lodged by Stanley Black & Decker last October to set a minimum advertised price for Dewalt brand power tools.

Katharine Kemp has penned an opinion piece on the ACCC’s authorisation of supermarkets working together during the COVID-19 pandemic.