WAFarmers awaits the outcome of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) informal review into the proposed takeover of Asciano by Brookfield Infrastructure and supports Grain Producers Australia’s (GPA) calls for an ongoing, active oversight role of Australia’s rail freight networks.
In its submission, WAFarmers urged the ACCC to deny the proposed acquisition as the monopolistic nature of the infrastructure involved will lead to anti-competitive behaviour in the already turbulent rail freight network in WA.
WAFarmers Grains Council President Duncan Young said it is the responsibility of the ACCC to prohibit acquisitions that will substantially lessen competition in the market.
“The current regulations in Western Australia are not sufficient to manage vertical integration.
“We encourage the Federal Government to determine a national structure to facilitate access to key infrastructure including rail,” Mr Young said.
WAFarmers awaits the ACCC’s decision which is expected to be announced on Thursday, 15 October, 2015.
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All media requests must be directed to WAFarmers Media and Communications Officer Sophie Kilby on (08) 9486 2100 or [email protected].