ACCC: Updated Immunity Policy to uncover cartel conduct
Date of Publication
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has published its updated Immunity and Cooperation Policy for Cartel Conduct.
“Due to the difficulty in detecting cartels and the damage that cartels cause to competitors and consumers, identifying and prosecuting cartel conduct is an enduring priority for the commission,” ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said.
“This immunity policy and the threat of civil and criminal penalties are fundamental to the effective discovery and disruption of cartel conduct.”
The ACCC regularly reviews the effectiveness of its immunity policy. Following targeted consultation in 2013 and early 2014, the ACCC has simplified the format of the policy.
The policy incorporates the following key changes identified during consultation:
implementing a two-step process for the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) to grant criminal immunity for cartel conduct where the CDPP will ordinarily issue a letter of comfort first, and subsequently provide an undertaking under the Director of Public Prosecutions Act 1983;
removing “clear leader” as a disqualification for immunity; and
consolidating various publications into one policy document and a set of FAQs.
Under the policy, cartel participants may seek both civil and criminal immunity for cartel conduct. The ACCC is responsible for granting civil immunity, while the CDPP is responsible for granting criminal immunity. The ACCC works closely with the CDPP on applications for criminal immunity.
The CDPP’s approach to granting criminal immunity is set out in Annexure B to the Prosecution Policy of the Commonwealth. The CDPP published an updated Annexure B to the Prosecution Policy of the Commonwealth on 9 September 2014.
“The ACCC’s partnership with CDPP is very important, and a successful cartel immunity program is a cornerstone in that partnership,” ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said.
“Cartel activity harms Australians and Australian businesses, and I look forward to continuing to work with Mr Sims and the ACCC to deter these crimes,” Mr Robert Bromwich SC said.
The Immunity and Cooperation Policy for Cartel Conduct August 2014 and FAQs replace the ACCC Immunity Policy for Cartel Conduct July 2009 and ACCC Immunity Policy Interpretation Guidelines July 2009.
The ACCC has extensive powers to investigate cartels. It can compel anyone to provide information about a suspected breach of the law, and can seek search warrants from a magistrate and execute these upon company offices and the premises of company officers. The ACCC can also notify the Australian Federal Police who in certain circumstances can collect evidence using phone taps and other surveillance devices.
Since the introduction of the ACCC’s cartel immunity program, the ACCC has received over 150 approaches. In the period July 2009 to June 2014, the ACCC undertook 35 in-depth investigations that has resulted in five cartel matters currently before the court in relation to refrigerant gas, wire harnesses for vehicles, eggs, blenders, and laundry detergent.
Recent Federal Court judgments in cartel cases have included a penalty of $1.35 million against Japanese cable supplier Viscas Corporation in respect of bid rigging and price fixing conduct and penalties of $3 million against NSK Australia for its involvement in cartel conduct in relation to the price of bearings.
Individuals found guilty of cartel conduct could face criminal or civil penalties, including:
up to 10 years in jail and/or fines of up to $340 000 per criminal cartel offence
a pecuniary penalty of up to $500 000 per civil contravention.
For corporations, the maximum fine or pecuniary penalty for each criminal cartel offence or civil contravention (whichever applies) will be the greater of:
$10 000 000;
three times the total value of the benefits obtained by one or more persons and that are reasonably attributable to the offence or contravention; or
where benefits cannot be fully determined, 10 per cent of the annual turnover of the company (including related corporate bodies) in the preceding 12 months.
