Australian Competition Tribunal (ACT)

Formerly the Trade Practices Tribunal.  President and Deputy Presidents must be judges of the Federal Court.  Members must be experienced in industry, commerce, economics or public administration.

The Tribunal’s main function is to hear appeals from decisions of the ACCC relating to authorisation and notification.  There is also a review function in relation to the access regime. 

The Tribunal’s powers have increased since the passage of the 2006 Amendment Act - importantly, the Tribunal now hears merger authorisations applications directly and they hear appeals from formal merger clearance decisions of the ACCC.

See also: Justice John Middleton, 'What will the Australian Competition Tribunal do now without LImited Merits Review?' (FCA) [2018] FedJSchol 7

Part III - The Australian Competition Tribunal