The ACCC has expressed concerns about the proposed merger of telecoms TPG and Vodafone, saying the deal could substantially lessen competition and lead to higher-priced mobile plans.
Digital ad startup Unlockd was forced to drop its competition lawsuit against Google in October after entering administration, but the issue may yet be revived by the regulator, which has revealed a misuse of market power probe is underway, and it has the contours of the startup’s case.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has fined online sporting goods retailer Wiggle $12,600 after the company admitted it likely misled consumers about their rights regarding faulty products.
A judge has expressed skepticism of Bannister Law’s plan to hire powerhouse US lawyer Kenneth Feinberg, who oversaw the September 11th victims compensation and BP oil spill funds, to mediate class actions against Volkwagen over its emissions cheating scandal, saying the car maker had shown no interest in settling despite the risk of “horrendous” penalties.
The consumer watchdog has sought more than $1.5 million in penalties against debt collector ACM Group after the company was found liable for harassing vulnerable customers, but a judge on Tuesday questioned whether the fine, which could leave the company insolvent, was too punitive.
Maurice Blackburn stands to walk away with $5.8 million for its work on a consumer class action against Cash Converters that resulted in a $16.4 million settlement.
Google and Facebook should be regulated given the potential they have to wield their monopoly powers in ways that would harm consumers, the ACCC said in its highly anticipated preliminary report into the digital platforms.
The competition watchdog is taking NSW Ports to court alleging a 50-year agreement with the state, signed when Port Botany and Port Kembla were privatised five years ago, was anti-competitive.
The director of property spruiker We Buy Houses has appealed a record $6 million for misleading property investors with claims they could learn to buy real estate for $1.
The former managing director of Murray Goulburn will be hit with a $200,000 penalty for being knowingly concerned in false representations made by the dairy producer to farmers about the farmgate milk prices it would pay during the 2015-16 milk season.