George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

To further the story of the major reform announced in recent weeks by the Turnbull government: as recently as yesterday the Prime Minister, the Treasurer and the Assistant Treasurer announced that the government will legislate to fix competition policy in Australia through the implementation of the Harper review's recommendations to reform section 46 of the Competition and Consumer Act, which, as you know, Senator Paterson, is the misuse of market power provision. Those reforms will include the introduction of an effects test to limit the potential misuse of market power and to ensure a better deal for consumers and a better deal for small businesses. This is something that has been debated for years—indeed, for decades—and we have now announced the reforms for which Australians have been waiting for so long. And, as you know, Senator Paterson, before the chamber at this very moment is the Senate voting reform legislation—a fundamental piece of institutional reform also pioneered in recent weeks by the Turnbull government. (Time expired)