The recently released Renewable Energy Target (RET) Review Expert Panel Report recommends two options for reducing the role of renewable energy in meeting Australia’s emissions reduction target. Both options involve reducing the subsidies to renewable generators. The Expert Panel acknowledges that these recommendations will make it harder for renewable generators to compete in the market for new investments, which would make the task of reducing emissions harder. The Panel estimated that Australia’s cumulative abatement task to 2020 would rise by between 39-58 MtCO2-e by 2020 under its recommended changes, all else being equal. However, scope of the review meant that the Panel did not go so far as analysing how likely it would be that Australia would still meet its 2020 emissions target if either of their recommendations were adopted.
This note from Frontier (Australia) analyses the implications of a modified RET on the likelihood that Australia would meet its emissions reduction target.DOWNLOAD FULL PUBLICATION
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) today announced that it will not oppose the proposed acquisition of three Progressive Supa IGA supermarkets by Coles/Wesfarmers.
The supermarkets are located in Bunbury, Halls Head and Dianella. Although there were concerns that the acquisitions would remove differentiated offerings in the local areas, the ACCC took account of actual and potential competition in each of the areas and the recent poor performance of the stores under their current management.
Frontier (Australia) was retained by solicitors for Coles to advise on the effects of the proposed acquisitions on competition in local markets.
Frontier regularly advises clients on a range of competition issues.
For more information, please contact m.okeeffe@frontier-economics.com.au or phone +61 3 9620 4488.
Frontier (Australia) chairman Philip Williams presented at the Law Council of Australia 2014 Competition and Consumer Workshop, held on the 13th and 14th of September in Brisbane, Australia. Philip presented on the topic of barriers to entry. Although the idea of a barrier to entry is quite simple, identifying barriers to entry to a particular real-world market may require some subtle analysis. Philip suggested that there are four key points that can assist in this process. These are:
More detail of his arguments can be found in the full presentation.
Frontier (Australia) regularly advises companies and regulators on a range of competition issues.
For more information, please contact m.okeeffe@frontier-economics.com.au or phone +61 3 9620 4488.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) today discontinued its investigation into the acquisition of the Cinema Hyperplex in Loganholme, Brisbane. The Hyperplex was acquired by a 50:50 joint venture (JV) between Amalgamated Holdings Limited and Village Roadshow. They had not applied to the ACCC to clear the acquisition.
The ACCC started its review of the acquisition in September 2013. After a review lasting 12 months, the ACCC decided to discontinue its investigation.
Frontier (Australia) was retained by lawyers for the JV to advise on the effects on competition of the acquisition.
Frontier (Australia) regularly advises companies and regulators on a range of competition issues .
For more information, please contact m.okeeffe@frontier-economics.com.au or phone +61 3 9620 4488.
