The Collective Bargaining Authorization Provision for SMEs in the Australian Competition Law: Serving or Distorting a Public Benefit?

Abstract

This article examines the collective bargaining provisions for SMEs in competition law in Australia. It concludes that SMEs’ use of the collective bargaining notification process has been relatively small and does not have any impact over the competition regulation in the market. While this provision helps SMEs supply reasonably homogenous products or services, it is otherwise limited in its application.