In addition, Nick Xenephon wants a federal farming commissioner, apparently influenced by the recent - controversial - decision by the SA to appoint his frequent adviser, Frank Zumbo, the part-time Deputy Small Business Commissioner; see eg Sarah Martin, 'Liberals question adviser's plum job' (The Australian, 1 Feb 2012)). Watch this space!

In relation to national markets for "provision of taxi-specific non-cash payment instruments, non-cash payment processing services for taxis and the supply of taxi equipment to the taxi industry, the ACCC considered that the proposed acquisition was unlikely to substantially raise barriers to entry and therefore was unlikely to substantially lessen competition in these markets. Within the context of the Adelaide metropolitan area, the ACCC considered that there would remain two independent taxi networks, with a substantial share of affiliated taxis, that could be approached by new entrants." View merger register.

John Durie has a related item in the Australian ('Sims in Drivers Seat on Taxi Ruling', The Australian, 26 January 2012) - he discusses the different path being taken by Sims compared with Samuel and also briefly discussses the recent changes to the Act and the issue of creeping acquisitions - worth a quick read if you can get past the Australian's paywall.

In part, the Report recommends that an independent review of the Competition and Consumer Act be initiated (recommendation 5). This recommendation is not supported by the Government (see Senator Bishop's comments and 'Government Senators' Additional Comments' in the final report).

Additional comments to the report are also made by Senators Xenophon, Williams, Heffernan, Madigan and Milne, recommending - amongst other things - a re-introduction of price signalling laws and general divestiture powers (apparently influenced, in part, by the misconception that we are out of touch with international prctice in this respect).