Competition Law and Policy
Overview
This unit introduces students to the Australian law’s response to anti-competitive conduct. It proceeds on the basis that, as a general rule, competition produces economic, social and political benefits for society as a whole and that, therefore, anti-competitive conduct should be prohibited or regulated. The unit will focus on the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth). However, it will also examine competition law from an international perspective. The aim of this unit is to enable students, through the study of cases, statutes and other material, to acquire a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of, and competence in, Australian competition law and policy.
Requisites
75 credit points in Law units
08-June-2025
08-February-2026
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Describe and evaluate Australian competition law and related policy debates
- Identify and describe the economic concepts embedded in Australian competition law to determine the appropriate outcome
- Apply competition law to factual situations and effectively advise and communicate with clients and others about their rights and obligations
- Conduct competition law related research and use the results of that research in the development of a legal argument
- Contribute to the preparation of a legal argument in a group
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus Class | 3.00 | 12 weeks | 36 |
| Online Lecture | 1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| Unspecified Activities Various | 8.50 | 12 weeks | 102 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Swinburne Online
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning | 12.50 | 12 weeks | 150 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment | Individual | 50 - 70% | 1,2,3 |
| Online Tests | Individual | 10 - 20% | 1,2,3,4 |
| Presentation | Group | 20 - 30% | 1,2,3,4,5 |
Content
- The restraint of trade doctrine
- The goals of competition law
- The economics of competition lawÂ
- Cartels and other anti-competitive agreements
- Exclusive dealing
- Misuse of market power
- Resale price maintenance
- Mergers and acquisition
- Authorisation and notification
- Enforcement, penalties and remedies
- European and US perspectives
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.