George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Minister for the Arts and Sport) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

That this bill be now read a third time.

In doing so, I thank honourable senators for their contributions in the committee stage of the debate. I particularly thank Senator Murray and Senator Sherry for their penetrating contributions and observations. It is, as I said a moment ago, the intention of the government that, as a result of this bill, the provisions of part IV and part IVA of the Trade Practices Act will be significantly strengthened and that the Australian competition laws will be restored to the reputation that they had, prior to judicial intervention that narrowed their operation, of world’s best practice. We believe the right balance has been struck between maintaining freedom of competition in a competitive market and protecting the legitimate interests of participants in that market.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a third time.