COMPETITION LAWS IN THE COOPER BASIN

Abstract

Competition laws in Australia are in the process of substantial reform. The major competition issues facing participants in the Cooper Basin: market definition, and competition between joint venturers are reviewed. The manner in which the Trade Practices Act has been applied to Cooper Basin producers is reviewed, proposed reforms to implement new national competition policy are outlined, and the likely impact which those reforms will have on the production and marketing of gas from the Cooper Basin are discussed.

The likelihood, under reformed laws, of development of natural gas pipelines, open access, the difficulties of separate marketing of gas by joint venture parties, the potential for inter-basin competition in Australia, and the real issue of whether substantial benefits will flow to consumers of gas as a result of the application of new competition policies are evaluated.