News
07.08.2009
Australian watchdog pushes for improved port access
Australia's competition watchdog has rejected proposals from three grain port operators who were asked to improve access for grain exports.
Operators CBH Resources (ASX:CBH), ABB (ASX:ABB) and Graincorp (ASX:GNC) must have their port access arrangements accepted by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), as part of the shake-up of the wheat export industry.
The federal government deregulated the wheat industry last year. This saw AWB, previously the nation's single wheat export certification authority, joined by 22 other accredited wheat exporters.
The ACCC says it has conducted a review of the arrangements and has consulted with farmers, grain exporters and port operators.
"As a result, the ACCC has issued draft decisions today that it will not accept the access arrangements proposed by port operators CBH, ABB and Graincorp in their current form," a statement from the watchdog says.
The proposed port access arrangements should provide "greater clarity and transparency" for exporters, the ACCC said.
"Ensuring all wheat exporters have fair and non-discriminatory access to the ports will underpin a competitive wheat export industry."
Each of the port operators have been provided with detailed information to help them improve their port access for exporters, the commission said.
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