Western Australia: Competition Policy Reform (Western Australia) Act 1996 (WA)

Western Australia Competition Policy Reform (Western Australia) Act 1996 Western Australia Competition Policy Reform (Western Australia) Act 1996 Contents Part 1 — Preliminary 1. Short title 2 2. Commencement 2 3. Definitions 2 Part 2 — The Competition Code 4. The Competition Code text 5 5. Application of Competition Code 5 6. Future modifications of Competition Code text 5 7. Interpretation of Competition Code 6 8. Application of Competition Code 7 9. Special provisions 8 Part 3 — Citing the Competition Codes 10. Citation of Competition Code of this jurisdiction 9 11. References to Competition Code 9 12. References to Competition Codes of other jurisdictions 9 Part 4 — Application of Competition Codes to Crown 13. Application law of this jurisdiction 10 14. Application law of other jurisdictions 10 15. Activities that are not business 10 16. Crown not liable to pecuniary penalty or prosecution 12 17. This Part overrides the prerogative 12 Part 5 — National administration and enforcement of Competition Codes Division 1 — Preliminary 18. Object 13 Division 2 — Conferral of functions 19. Conferral of functions and powers on certain bodies 13 20. Conferral of other functions and powers for purposes of law in this jurisdiction 13 Division 4 — Offences 24. Object 14 25. Application of Commonwealth laws to offences against Competition Code of this jurisdiction 14 26. Application of Commonwealth laws to offences against Competition Codes of other jurisdictions 15 27. Functions and powers conferred on Commonwealth officers and authorities 16 28. Restriction of functions and powers of officers and authorities of this jurisdiction 16 Division 5 — Administrative law 29. Definition 17 30. Application of Commonwealth administrative laws to Competition Code of this jurisdiction 17 31. Application of Commonwealth administrative laws to Competition Codes of other jurisdictions 18 32. Functions and powers conferred on Commonwealth officers and authorities 18 33. Restriction of functions and powers of authorities and officers of this jurisdiction 19 Part 6 — Miscellaneous 34. No doubling‑up of liabilities 20 35. Things done for multiple purposes 20 36. Reference in Commonwealth law to a provision of another law 20 37. Fees and other money 21 38. Regulations 21 39. Regulations for exceptions under section 51 of Trade Practices Act or Code 21 Part 7 — Transitional rules 40. Definitions 22 41. Existing contracts 22 42. Section 51 exceptions 23 43. Temporary exemption from pecuniary penalties 23 44. Regulations relating to savings and transitional matters 23 Part 8 — State administration of Competition Code Division 1 — Preliminary 45. Definitions 24 46. Arrangements 24 47. Minister may declare a matter to be a State matter 24 Division 2 — Application of provisions 48. If State is not a fully‑participating jurisdiction 25 49. If State is not a party to the Conduct Code Agreement 25 50. If matter is a State matter 26 Division 3 — State authorities to perform functions under the Competition Code 51. Application of this Division 26 52. References in Competition Code taken to be references to State authorities 27 53. Conferral of functions and powers on State authorities 27 Division 4 — Jurisdiction of State courts 54. Application of this Division 28 55. Jurisdiction of State courts 28 56. References in Competition Code taken to be references to State courts 28 57. Exercise of jurisdiction under cross‑vesting provisions 28 Division 5 — Commissioner 58. Commissioner 29 59. Delegation by Commissioner 29 60. Information officially obtained to be confidential 29 61. Protection from liability for wrongdoing 30 62. Judicial notice 31 Note Schedule version of Part IV of the Trade Practices Act 1974 of the Commonwealth 45. Contracts, arrangements or understandings that restrict dealings or affect competition 32 45A. Contracts, arrangements or understandings in relation to prices 35 45B. Covenants affecting competition 38 45C. Covenants in relation to prices 41 45D. Secondary boycotts for the purpose of causing substantial loss or damage 43 45DA. Secondary boycotts for the purpose of causing substantial lessening of competition 44 45DC. Involvement and liability of employee organisations 45 45DD. Situations in which boycotts permitted 47 45E. Prohibition of contracts, arrangements or understandings affecting the supply or acquisition of goods or services 49 45EA. Provisions contravening section 45E not to be given effect 53 45EB. Sections 45D to 45EA do not affect operation of other provisions of Part 53 46. Misuse of market power 53 47. Exclusive dealing 55 48. Resale price maintenance 62 50. Prohibition of acquisitions that would result in a substantial lessening of competition 62 51. Exceptions 64 Notes Compilation table 69 Defined terms Western Australia Competition Policy Reform (Western Australia) Act 1996 An Act to apply certain laws of the Commonwealth relating to competition policy as laws of Western Australia, and for other purposes. Part 1 — Preliminary 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Competition Policy Reform (Western Australia) Act 1996 1. 2. Commencement This Act shall be deemed to have come into operation on 21 July 1996. 3. Definitions (1) In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears — application law means — (a) a law of a participating jurisdiction that applies the Competition Code text, either with or without modifications, as a law of the participating jurisdiction; or (b) any regulations or other legislative instrument made under a law described in paragraph (a); or (c) the Competition Code text, applying as a law of the participating jurisdiction, either with or without modifications; Commission means the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission established by section 6A of the Trade Practices Act, and includes a member of the Commission or a Division of the Commission performing functions of the Commission; Competition Code means (according to the context) — (a) the Competition Code text; or (b) the Competition Code text, applying as a law of a participating jurisdiction, either with or without modifications; Competition Code text means the text described in section 4; Conduct Code Agreement means the Conduct Code Agreement made on 11 April 1995 between the Commonwealth, the State of New South Wales, the State of Victoria, the State of Queensland, the State of Western Australia, the State of South Australia, the State of Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory of Australia, as in force for the time being; Council means the National Competition Council established by section 29A of the Trade Practices Act; instrument means any document whatever, including — (a) an Act or an instrument made under an Act; (b) a law of this jurisdiction or an instrument made under such a law; (c) an award or other industrial determination or order, or an industrial agreement; (d) any other order (whether executive, judicial or of any other kind); (e) a notice, certificate or licence; (f) an agreement; (g) an application or declaration made, information or complaint laid, affidavit sworn, or warrant issued, for any purpose; (h) an indictment, prosecution notice, presentment, summons or writ; or (i) any other pleading in, or process issued in connection with, a legal or other proceeding; jurisdiction means a State; law, in relation to a Territory, means a law of, or in force in, that Territory; modifications includes additions, omissions and substitutions; month means a period commencing at the beginning of a day of one of the 12 months of the year and ending immediately before the beginning of the corresponding day of the next month or, if there is no such corresponding day, ending at the expiration of the next month; officer, in relation to the Commonwealth, has the meaning given in Part XIA of the Trade Practices Act; participating jurisdiction means a jurisdiction that is a party to the Conduct Code Agreement and applies the Competition Code text as a law of the jurisdiction, either with or without modifications; Schedule version of Part IV means the text that is set out in Part 1 of the Schedule to the Trade Practices Act; State includes a Territory; Territory means the Australian Capital Territory or the Northern Territory of Australia; this jurisdiction means Western Australia; Trade Practices Act means the Trade Practices Act 1974 of the Commonwealth; Tribunal means the Australian Competition Tribunal referred to in the Trade Practices Act, and includes a member of the Tribunal or a Division of the Tribunal performing functions of the Tribunal. (2) If this Act uses an expression that is given a meaning in the Trade Practices Act, the expression has the meaning so given unless the contrary intention appears in this Act. (3) The notes in and at the end of this Act do not form part of this Act. [Section 3 amended: No. 51 of 1999 s. 37; No. 84 of 2004 s. 80.] Part 2 — The Competition Code 4. The Competition Code text (1) The Competition Code text consists of — (a) the Schedule version of Part IV; Note: The Schedule version of Part IV (as at 2 December 2005) is set out in a note at the end of this Act. (b) the remaining provisions of the Trade Practices Act (except sections 2A, 5, 6 and 172), so far as they would relate to the Schedule version if the Schedule version were substituted for Part IV of that Act; and (c) the regulations under the Trade Practices Act, so far as they relate to any provisions covered by paragraph (a) or (b). (2) For the purpose of forming part of the Competition Code text, the provisions referred to in subsection (1)(b) and (c) are to be modified as necessary to fit in with the Schedule version of Part IV and, in particular, references in them to corporations are to include references to persons who are not corporations. 5. Application of Competition Code (1) The Competition Code text, as in force for the time being, applies as a law of Western Australia. (2) This section has effect subject to section 6. 6. Future modifications of Competition Code text (1) A modification made by a law of the Commonwealth to the Competition Code text after the commencement of this section — (a) does not apply under section 5 until at least the end of the period of 2 months after the date of the modification, unless a proclamation appoints an earlier day; and (b) does not apply under that section at all, if the modification is declared by a proclamation to be excluded from the operation of that section. (2) A proclamation under subsection (1)(b) has effect only if published before the end of 2 months after the date of the modification. (3) If, after a proclamation is made under subsection (1)(b), a further proclamation is made appointing a day on and from which the modification of the text is to apply under section 5, subsection (1)(b) ceases to apply to the modification immediately before that day. (4) A proclamation under subsection (1)(a) or (3) — (a) cannot appoint any day that is earlier than the day of publication of the proclamation or that is earlier than the day on which the modification of the text takes effect; and (b) is to be regarded in such a case as appointing the day of publication of the proclamation or the day on which the modification of the text takes effect, whichever is the later. (5) For the purposes of this section, the date of the modification is — (a) the day on which the Commonwealth Act effecting the modification receives the Royal Assent or the regulation effecting the modification is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette; or (b) the day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent, whichever is the later. 7. Interpretation of Competition Code (1) The Acts Interpretation Act 1901 of the Commonwealth applies as a law of this jurisdiction to — (a) the Competition Code of this jurisdiction; and (b) any instrument under that Code. (2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the Commonwealth Act mentioned in that subsection applies as if — (a) the statutory provisions in the Competition Code of this jurisdiction were a Commonwealth Act; and (b) the regulations in the Competition Code of this jurisdiction or instruments mentioned in that subsection were regulations or instruments under a Commonwealth Act. (3) The Interpretation Act 1984 does not apply to — (a) the Competition Code of this jurisdiction; or (b) any instrument under that Code. 8. Application of Competition Code (1) The Competition Code of this jurisdiction applies to and in relation to — (a) persons carrying on business within this jurisdiction; (b) bodies corporate incorporated or registered under the law of this jurisdiction; (c) persons ordinarily resident in this jurisdiction; and (d) persons otherwise connected with this jurisdiction. (2) Subject to subsection (1), the Competition Code of this jurisdiction extends to conduct, and other acts, matters and things, occurring or existing outside or partly outside this jurisdiction (whether within or outside Australia). (3) Where a claim under section 82 of the Competition Code of this jurisdiction is made in a proceeding, a person is not entitled to rely at a hearing in respect of that proceeding on conduct to which a provision of the Code extends occurring outside Australia except with the consent in writing of the Commonwealth Minister. (4) A person other than the Commonwealth Minister or the Commission is not entitled to make an application to the Court for an order under section 87(1) or (1A) of the Competition Code of this jurisdiction in a proceeding in respect of conduct to which a provision of the Code extends occurring outside Australia except with the consent in writing of the Commonwealth Minister. (5) The Commonwealth Minister is required to give a consent under subsection (3) or (4) in respect of a proceeding unless, in the opinion of the Commonwealth Minister — (a) the law of the country in which the conduct concerned was engaged in required or specifically authorised the engaging in of the conduct; and (b) it is not in the national interest that the consent be given. (6) In this section — Commonwealth Minister means a Minister of State for the Commonwealth administering Part IV of the Trade Practices Act. 9. Special provisions The references in sections 45 and 45B of the Competition Code of this or another participating jurisdiction to "the commencement of this section" are to be regarded as references to the commencement of the provision of the law of the jurisdiction that provides that the Competition Code text as in force for the time being applies as a law of the jurisdiction. Part 3 — Citing the Competition Codes 10. Citation of Competition Code of this jurisdiction The Competition Code text applying as a law of this jurisdiction may be cited as the Competition Code of Western Australia. 11. References to Competition Code (1) The object of this section is to help ensure that the Competition Code of this jurisdiction can operate, in appropriate circumstances, as if that Code, together with the Competition Code of each other participating jurisdiction, constituted a single national Competition Code applying throughout the participating jurisdictions. (2) A reference in any instrument to the Competition Code is a reference to the Competition Codes of any or all of the participating jurisdictions. (3) Subsection (2) has effect except so far as the contrary intention appears in the instrument or the context of the reference otherwise requires. 12. References to Competition Codes of other jurisdictions (1) This section has effect for the purposes of an Act, a law of this jurisdiction or an instrument under an Act or such a law. (2) If a law of a participating jurisdiction other than this jurisdiction provides that the Competition Code text as in force for the time being applies as a law of that jurisdiction, the Competition Code of that jurisdiction is the Competition Code text, applying as a law of that jurisdiction. Part 4 — Application of Competition Codes to Crown 13. Application law of this jurisdiction The application law of this jurisdiction binds (so far as the legislative power of Parliament permits) the Crown in right of this jurisdiction and of each other jurisdiction, so far as the Crown carries on a business, either directly or by an authority of the jurisdiction concerned. 14. Application law of other jurisdictions The application law of each participating jurisdiction other than this jurisdiction binds the Crown in right of this jurisdiction, so far as the Crown carries on a business, either directly or by an authority of this jurisdiction. 15. Activities that are not business (1) For the purposes of sections 13 and 14, the following do not amount to carrying on a business — (a) imposing or collecting — (i) taxes; (ii) levies; or (iii) fees for licences; (b) granting, refusing to grant, revoking, suspending or varying licences (whether or not they are subject to conditions); (c) a transaction involving — (i) only persons who are all acting for the Crown in the same right (and none of whom is an authority of a State); (ii) only persons who are all acting for the same authority of a State; (iii) only the Crown in right of a State and one or more non‑commercial authorities of that State; or (iv) only non‑commercial authorities of the same State; (d) the acquisition of primary products by a government body under legislation, unless the acquisition occurs because — (i) the body chooses to acquire the products; or (ii) the body has not exercised a discretion that it has under the legislation that would allow it not to acquire the products. (2) Subsection (1) does not limit the things that do not amount to carrying on a business for the purposes of sections 13 and 14. (3) In this section — acquisition of primary products by a government body under legislation includes vesting of ownership of primary products in a government body by legislation; government body means a State or an authority of a State; licence means a licence that allows the licensee to supply goods or services; primary products means — (a) agricultural or horticultural produce; (b) crops, whether on or attached to the land or not; (c) animals (whether dead or alive); or (d) the bodily produce (including natural increase) of animals. (4) For the purposes of this section, an authority of a State is "non‑commercial" if — (a) it is constituted by only one person; and (b) it is neither a trading corporation nor a financial corporation. 16. Crown not liable to pecuniary penalty or prosecution (1) Nothing in the application law of this jurisdiction makes the Crown in any capacity liable to a pecuniary penalty or to be prosecuted for an offence. (2) Without limiting subsection (1), nothing in the application law of a participating jurisdiction makes the Crown in right of this jurisdiction liable to a pecuniary penalty or to be prosecuted for an offence. (3) The protection in subsection (1) or (2) does not apply to an authority of any jurisdiction. 17. This Part overrides the prerogative If, because of this Part, a provision of the law of another participating jurisdiction binds the Crown in right of this jurisdiction, the Crown in that right is subject to that provision despite any prerogative right or privilege. Part 5 — National administration and enforcement of Competition Codes Division 1 — Preliminary 18. Object The object of this Part is to help ensure that the Competition Codes of the participating jurisdictions are administered on a uniform basis, in the same way as if those Codes constituted a single law of the Commonwealth. Division 2 — Conferral of functions 19. Conferral of functions and powers on certain bodies (1) The authorities and officers of the Commonwealth referred to in the Competition Code of this jurisdiction, including (but not limited to) the Commission, the Tribunal and the Council, have the functions and powers conferred or expressed to be conferred on them respectively under the Competition Code of this jurisdiction. (2) In addition to the powers mentioned in subsection (1), the authorities and officers referred to in that subsection have power to do all things necessary or convenient to be done in connection with the performance of the functions and exercise of the powers referred to in that subsection. 20. Conferral of other functions and powers for purposes of law in this jurisdiction The Commission and the Tribunal have power to do acts in this jurisdiction in the performance or exercise of any function or power expressed to be conferred on them respectively by the Competition Code of another participating jurisdiction. [Division 3: s. 21, 23 deleted: No. 32 of 2001 s. 4; s. 22 deleted: No. 32 of 1999 s. 16.] Division 4 — Offences 24. Object (1) The object of this Division is to further the object of this Part by providing — (a) for an offence against the Competition Code of this jurisdiction to be treated as if it were an offence against a law of the Commonwealth; and (b) for an offence against the Competition Code of another participating jurisdiction to be treated in this jurisdiction as if it were an offence against a law of the Commonwealth. (2) The purposes for which an offence is to be treated as mentioned in subsection (1) include, for example (but without limitation) — (a) the investigation and prosecution of offences; (b) the arrest, custody, bail, trial and conviction of offenders or persons charged with offences; (c) proceedings relating to a matter referred to in paragraph (a) or (b); (d) appeals and review relating to criminal proceedings and to proceedings of the kind referred to in paragraph (c); (e) the sentencing, punishment and release of persons convicted of offences; (f) fines, penalties and forfeitures; (g) liability to make reparation in connection with offences; (h) proceeds of crime; and (i) spent convictions. 25. Application of Commonwealth laws to offences against Competition Code of this jurisdiction (1) The laws of the Commonwealth apply as laws of this jurisdiction in relation to an offence against the Competition Code of this jurisdiction as if that Code were a law of the Commonwealth and not a law of this jurisdiction. (2) For the purposes of a law of this jurisdiction, an offence against the Competition Code of this jurisdiction — (a) is to be regarded as an offence against the laws of the Commonwealth, in the same way as if that Code were a law of the Commonwealth; and (b) is not to be regarded as an offence against the laws of this jurisdiction. (3) Subsection (2) has effect for the purposes of a law of this jurisdiction except as prescribed by regulations under this Act. 26. Application of Commonwealth laws to offences against Competition Codes of other jurisdictions (1) The laws of the Commonwealth apply as laws of this jurisdiction in relation to an offence against the Competition Code of another participating jurisdiction as if that Code were a law of the Commonwealth and not a law of that other jurisdiction. (2) For the purposes of a law of this jurisdiction, an offence against the Competition Code of another participating jurisdiction — (a) is to be regarded as an offence against the laws of the Commonwealth, in the same way as if that Code were a law of the Commonwealth; and (b) is not to be regarded as an offence against the laws of that jurisdiction. (3) Subsection (2) has effect for the purposes of a law of this jurisdiction except as prescribed by regulations under this Act. (4) This section does not require, prohibit, empower, authorise or otherwise provide for, the doing of an act outside this jurisdiction. 27. Functions and powers conferred on Commonwealth officers and authorities (1) A law of the Commonwealth applying because of section 25 that confers on a Commonwealth officer or authority a function or power in relation to an offence against the Trade Practices Act also confers on the officer or authority the same function or power in relation to an offence against the corresponding provision of the Competition Code of this jurisdiction. (2) A law of the Commonwealth applying because of section 26 that confers on a Commonwealth officer or authority a function or power in relation to an offence against the Trade Practices Act also confers on the officer or authority the same function or power in relation to an offence against the corresponding provision of the Competition Code of another participating jurisdiction. (3) The function or power referred to in subsection (2) can only be performed or exercised in this jurisdiction. (4) In performing a function or exercising a power conferred by subsection (1) or (2), the Commonwealth officer or authority must act as nearly as practicable as the officer or authority would act in performing or exercising the same function or power in relation to an offence against the corresponding provision of the Trade Practices Act. 28. Restriction of functions and powers of officers and authorities of this jurisdiction Where, by reason of this Division, a function or power is conferred on a Commonwealth officer or authority, that function or power cannot be performed or exercised by an officer or authority of this jurisdiction. Division 5 — Administrative law 29. Definition In this Division — Commonwealth administrative laws means — (a) the following Acts — (i) the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975 of the Commonwealth; [(ii) deleted] (iii) the Freedom of Information Act 1982 of the Commonwealth; (iv) the Ombudsman Act 1976 of the Commonwealth; (v) the Privacy Act 1988 of the Commonwealth; and (b) the regulations in force under those Acts. [Section 29 amended: No. 32 of 2001 s. 5.] 30. Application of Commonwealth administrative laws to Competition Code of this jurisdiction (1) The Commonwealth administrative laws apply as laws of this jurisdiction to any matter arising in relation to the Competition Code of this jurisdiction as if that Code were a law of the Commonwealth and not a law of this jurisdiction. (2) For the purposes of a law of this jurisdiction, a matter arising in relation to the Competition Code of this jurisdiction — (a) is to be regarded as a matter arising in relation to laws of the Commonwealth in the same way as if that Code were a law of the Commonwealth; and (b) is not to be regarded as a matter arising in relation to laws of this jurisdiction. (3) Subsection (2) has effect for the purposes of a law of this jurisdiction except as prescribed by regulations under this Act. 31. Application of Commonwealth administrative laws to Competition Codes of other jurisdictions (1) The Commonwealth administrative laws apply as laws of this jurisdiction to any matter arising in relation to the Competition Code of another participating jurisdiction as if that Code were a law of the Commonwealth and not a law of that jurisdiction. (2) For the purposes of a law of this jurisdiction, a matter arising in relation to the Competition Code of another participating jurisdiction — (a) is to be regarded as a matter arising in relation to laws of the Commonwealth in the same way as if that Code were a law of the Commonwealth; and (b) is not to be regarded as a matter arising in relation to laws of that jurisdiction. (3) Subsection (2) has effect for the purposes of a law of this jurisdiction except as prescribed by regulations under this Act. (4) This section does not require, prohibit, empower, authorise or otherwise provide for, the doing of an act outside this jurisdiction. 32. Functions and powers conferred on Commonwealth officers and authorities (1) A Commonwealth administrative law applying because of section 30 that confers on a Commonwealth officer or authority a function or power also confers on the officer or authority the same function or power in relation to a matter arising in relation to the Competition Code of this jurisdiction. (2) A Commonwealth administrative law applying because of section 31 that confers on a Commonwealth officer or authority a function or power also confers on the officer or authority the same function or power in relation to a matter arising in relation to the Competition Code of another participating jurisdiction. (3) The function or power referred to in subsection (2) can only be performed or exercised in this jurisdiction. (4) In performing a function or exercising a power conferred by subsection (1) or (2), the Commonwealth officer or authority must act as nearly as practicable as the officer or authority would act in performing or exercising the same function or power under the Commonwealth administrative law. 33. Restriction of functions and powers of authorities and officers of this jurisdiction Where, by reason of this Division, a function or power is conferred on a Commonwealth officer or authority, that function or power cannot be performed or exercised by an officer or authority of this jurisdiction. Part 6 — Miscellaneous 34. No doubling‑up of liabilities (1) If — (a) an act or omission is an offence against the Competition Code of this jurisdiction and is also an offence against the Trade Practices Act or an application law of another participating jurisdiction; and (b) the offender has been punished for the offence under the Trade Practices Act or the application law of the other jurisdiction, the offender is not liable to be punished for the offence against the Competition Code of this jurisdiction. (2) If a person has been ordered to pay a pecuniary penalty under the Trade Practices Act or the application law of another participating jurisdiction, the person is not liable to a pecuniary penalty under the Competition Code of this jurisdiction in respect of the same conduct. 35. Things done for multiple purposes The validity of an authorisation, notification or any other thing given or done for the purposes of the Competition Code of this jurisdiction is not affected only because it was given or done also for the purposes of the Trade Practices Act or the Competition Code of one or more other jurisdictions. 36. Reference in Commonwealth law to a provision of another law For the purposes of section 25, 26, 30 or 31, a reference in a law of the Commonwealth to a provision of that or another law of the Commonwealth is to be regarded as a reference to that provision as applying because of that section. 37. Fees and other money (1) All fees, taxes, penalties (including pecuniary penalties referred to in section 76 of the Competition Code), fines and other money that, under the application law of this jurisdiction or the Competition Policy Reform (Taxing) Act 1996, are authorised or directed to be payable by or imposed on any person must be paid to the Commonwealth. (2) Subsection (1) does not apply to amounts recovered for loss or damage as referred to in section 82 or 87 of the Competition Code and other amounts prescribed by the regulations under this Act. (3) This subsection imposes the fees that the regulations in the Competition Code of this jurisdiction prescribe, except to the extent that they are taxes. 38. Regulations The Governor may make regulations prescribing all matters that are required or permitted by this Act to be prescribed or are necessary or convenient to be prescribed for giving effect to the purposes of this Act. 39. Regulations for exceptions under section 51 of Trade Practices Act or Code Without limiting any other power to make regulations under any other Act, regulations may be made under this Act specifically authorising a specified thing to be done in this jurisdiction and referring expressly to the Trade Practices Act or the Competition Code. Part 7 — Transitional rules 40. Definitions In this Part — Code means the Competition Code of this jurisdiction; cut‑off date means 19 August 1994; existing contract means a contract that was made before the operative date; operative date means 21 July 1996. 41. Existing contracts (1) For the purpose of deciding whether a person has contravened Part IV of the Code at any time after the operative date — (a) existing contracts made before the cut‑off date, and things done to give effect to those contracts, are to be disregarded; (b) if an existing contract made before the cut‑off date is varied on or after the cut‑off date, things done to give effect to the varied contract are not to be disregarded under paragraph (a) unless they would have been disregarded under the contract as in force immediately before the cut‑off date; and (c) regard can be had to existing contracts made on or after the cut‑off date and to things done to give effect to those contracts. (2) Part IV of the Code does not make unenforceable a provision of an existing contract made before the cut‑off date, unless it was unenforceable immediately before the operative date. (3) Part IV of the Code can make unenforceable a provision of an existing contract made on or after the cut‑off date. 42. Section 51 exceptions (1) This section applies (in addition to section 51(1) of the Code) to conduct taking place before 21 July 1998. (2) In deciding whether a person has contravened Part IV of the Code, a particular thing is to be disregarded if (and to the same extent as) it is to be disregarded for the purposes of the Trade Practices Act because of section 33 of the Competition Policy Reform Act 1995 of the Commonwealth. 43. Temporary exemption from pecuniary penalties A person is not liable to a pecuniary penalty under the Code for conduct taking place within 2 years after 20 July 1995. 44. Regulations relating to savings and transitional matters (1) The regulations under this Act may contain provisions of a savings or transitional nature consequent on the enactment of this Act. (2) Any such savings or transitional provision may, if the regulations so provide, take effect retrospectively. (3) To the extent to which any such savings or transitional provision takes effect from a day that is earlier than the day of its publication in the Gazette, the provision does not operate so as — (a) to affect, in a manner prejudicial to any person (other than the State or an authority of the State), the rights of that person existing before the day of its publication; or (b) to impose liabilities on any person (other than the State or an authority of the State) in respect of anything done or omitted to be done before the day of its publication. Part 8 — State administration of Competition Code Division 1 — Preliminary 45. Definitions In this Part — Commissioner means the person for the time being designated as the Commissioner under section 58; Department means the Department of the Public Service of the State principally assisting the Minister in the administration of this Act; executive officer of the State Administrative Tribunal has the meaning given to the term "executive officer" in section 3(1) of the State Administrative Tribunal Act 2004; matter means a matter to which the Competition Code text relates; State matter means a matter declared under section 47 to be a State matter. [Section 45 amended: No. 74 of 2003 s. 38; No. 55 of 2004 s. 135; No. 28 of 2006 s. 68.] 46. Arrangements The Commissioner may, with the approval of the Minister, enter into an agreement or arrangement with the Commission as to — (a) the matters that may be declared to be State matters under section 47; and (b) the procedures to be followed before making such a declaration. 47. Minister may declare a matter to be a State matter (1) The Minister may, by order published in the Gazette, declare a specified matter or a matter of a specified class to be a State matter for the purposes of this Act. (2) If an agreement or arrangement is in force under section 46, the Minister must not declare a matter to be a State matter except in accordance with that agreement or arrangement. (3) An order under subsection (1) is "subsidiary legislation" for the purposes of the Interpretation Act 1984 and section 42 of that Act applies to and in relation to an order as if the order were a regulation. Division 2 — Application of provisions 48. If State is not a fully‑participating jurisdiction (1) If, at any time, the State is a participating jurisdiction but is named in a notice in operation under section 150K of the Trade Practices Act, the Minister may, by order published in the Gazette, declare that this section has effect. (2) If an order is in force under subsection (1) — (a) Part 5 and sections 36 and 37(1) and (2) of this Act do not apply to any matter; (b) sections 46 and 47 do not apply to any matter and any agreement or arrangement under section 46 or order under section 47 does not have any force; and (c) Divisions 3 and 4 of this Part apply to any matter. (3) An order under subsection (1) is "subsidiary legislation" for the purposes of the Interpretation Act 1984 and section 42 of that Act applies to and in relation to an order as if the order were a regulation. 49. If State is not a party to the Conduct Code Agreement If, at any time, the State is not a party to the Conduct Code Agreement — (a) Part 5 and sections 36 and 37(1) and (2) of this Act do not apply to any matter; (b) sections 46 and 47 do not apply to any matter and any agreement or arrangement under section 46 or order under section 47 does not have any force; (c) the provisions of this Act, other than Part 5 and sections 36, 37(1) and (2), 46 and 47, apply to any matter as if the definition of "participating jurisdiction" in section 3(1) were deleted and the following definition were substituted — " participating jurisdiction means — (a) this jurisdiction; or (b) a jurisdiction that is a party to the Conduct Code Agreement and applies the Competition Code text as a law of that jurisdiction, either with or without modifications; "; and (d) Divisions 3 and 4 of this Part apply to any matter. 50. If matter is a State matter If a matter is a State matter — (a) Part 5 and sections 36 and 37(1) and (2) of this Act do not apply to the matter; and (b) Divisions 3 and 4 of this Part apply to the matter. Division 3 — State authorities to perform functions under the Competition Code 51. Application of this Division This Division applies only by operation of section 48(2)(c), 49(d) or 50(b). 52. References in Competition Code taken to be references to State authorities A reference in the Competition Code of Western Australia — (a) to the Commission is taken to be a reference to the Commissioner; (b) to the Tribunal is taken to be a reference to the State Administrative Tribunal; (c) to the Chairperson is taken to be a reference to the Commissioner; (d) to the Deputy Chairperson is taken to be a reference to the Commissioner; (e) to the Registrar is taken to be a reference to the executive officer of the State Administrative Tribunal; (f) to the Secretary to the Department is taken to be a reference to the chief executive officer of the Department; (g) to the Commonwealth Minister is taken to be a reference to the Minister; (h) to the Parliament is taken to be a reference to the Parliament of this State. [Section 52 amended: No. 55 of 2004 s. 136.] 53. Conferral of functions and powers on State authorities (1) The authorities and officers of the State taken to be referred to in the Competition Code of Western Australia (by the operation of section 52) have the functions or powers expressed to be conferred on them by that Code. (2) In addition to the powers mentioned in subsection (1), the authorities and officers referred to in that subsection have power to do all things necessary or convenient to be done in connection with the performance of the functions and exercise of the powers referred to in that subsection. Division 4 — Jurisdiction of State courts 54. Application of this Division This Division applies only by operation of section 48(2)(c), 49(d) or 50(b). 55. Jurisdiction of State courts (1) Proceedings for an offence against the Competition Code of Western Australia are to be dealt with by a court of summary jurisdiction. (2) Jurisdiction is conferred on the Supreme Court with respect to any other proceedings arising under the Competition Code of Western Australia. [Section 55 amended: No. 59 of 2004 s. 141.] 56. References in Competition Code taken to be references to State courts A reference in the Competition Code of Western Australia to the Court is taken to be — (a) in relation to proceedings for an offence against that Code, a reference to a court of summary jurisdiction; and (b) in any other case, a reference to the Supreme Court. [Section 56 amended: No. 59 of 2004 s. 141.] 57. Exercise of jurisdiction under cross‑vesting provisions This Division does not affect the operation of a provision of a law of this State relating to cross‑vesting of jurisdiction. Division 5 — Commissioner [Heading inserted: No. 28 of 2006 s. 69.] 58. Commissioner (1) The Minister is required, by notice published in the Gazette, to designate a person who is an executive officer of the Department as the Commissioner for the purposes of this Part. (2) The Commissioner may be referred to by a title specified by the Minister by notice published in the Gazette. (3) In this section — executive officer has the meaning given by section 3(1) of the Public Sector Management Act 1994. [Section 58 inserted: No. 28 of 2006 s. 69.] 59. Delegation by Commissioner (1) The Commissioner may delegate to any other person employed in the Department any power or duty of the Commissioner under another provision of this Part. (2) The delegation must be in writing signed by the Commissioner. (3) A person to whom a power or duty is delegated under this section cannot delegate that power or duty. (4) A person exercising or performing a power or duty that has been delegated to the person under this section is to be taken to do so in accordance with the terms of the delegation unless the contrary is shown. (5) Nothing in this section limits the ability of the Commissioner to perform a function through an officer or agent. [Section 59 inserted: No. 28 of 2006 s. 69.] 60. Information officially obtained to be confidential (1) A person who misuses information obtained by reason of any function that person has, or at any time had, in the administration of this Part commits an offence. Penalty: $20 000. (2) A person misuses information if it is, directly or indirectly, recorded, used, or disclosed to another person, other than — (a) in the course of duty; (b) under this Act; (c) for the purposes of the investigation of any suspected offence or the conduct of proceedings against any person for an offence; (d) in a manner that could not reasonably be expected to lead to the identification of any person to whom the information refers; or (e) with the consent of the person to whom the information relates, or each of them if there is more than one. (3) In this section — information means information concerning the affairs of a person. [Section 60 inserted: No. 28 of 2006 s. 69.] 61. Protection from liability for wrongdoing (1) A person is not liable for anything that the person has, in good faith, done in the performance or purported performance of a function under this Part. (2) The State is also relieved of any liability that it might otherwise have had for another person having done anything as described in subsection (1). (3) The protection given by this section applies even though the thing done as described in subsection (1) may have been capable of being done whether or not this Part had been enacted. (4) In this section, a reference to the doing of anything includes a reference to an omission to do anything. [Section 61 inserted: No. 28 of 2006 s. 69.] 62. Judicial notice All courts, judges and persons acting judicially shall take judicial notice of the official signature of every person who is for the time being and every person who has at any time been the Commissioner and of the fact that such person holds or has held such office. [Section 62 inserted: No. 28 of 2006 s. 69.] Note Schedule version of Part IV of the Trade Practices Act 1974 of the Commonwealth [This note contains the text as at 2 December 2005. For the current text of Part I of the Schedule to the Trade Practices Act 1974 of the Commonwealth reference should be made to that Act.] 45. Contracts, arrangements or understandings that restrict dealings or affect competition (1) If a provision of a contract made before the commencement of this section: (a) is an exclusionary provision; or (b) has the purpose, or has or is likely to have the effect, of substantially lessening competition; that provision is unenforceable in so far as it confers rights or benefits or imposes duties or obligations on a person. (2) A person shall not: (a) make a contract or arrangement, or arrive at an understanding, if: (i) the proposed contract, arrangement or understanding contains an exclusionary provision; or (ii) a provision of the proposed contract, arrangement or understanding has the purpose, or would have or be likely to have the effect, of substantially lessening competition; or (b) give effect to a provision of a contract, arrangement or understanding, whether the contract or arrangement was made, or the understanding was arrived at, before or after the commencement of this section, if that provision: (i) is an exclusionary provision; or (ii) has the purpose, or has or is likely to have the effect, of substantially lessening competition. (3) For the purposes of this section and section 45A, competition, in relation to a provision of a contract, arrangement or understanding or of a proposed contract, arrangement or understanding, means competition in any market in which a person who is a party to the contract, arrangement or understanding or would be a party to the proposed contract, arrangement or understanding, or any body corporate related to such a person, supplies or acquires, or is likely to supply or acquire, goods or services or would, but for the provision, supply or acquire, or be likely to supply or acquire, goods or services. (4) For the purposes of the application of this section in relation to a particular person, a provision of a contract, arrangement or understanding or of a proposed contract, arrangement or understanding shall be deemed to have or to be likely to have the effect of substantially lessening competition if that provision and any one or more of the following provisions, namely: (a) the other provisions of that contract, arrangement or understanding or proposed contract, arrangement or understanding; and (b) the provisions of any other contract, arrangement or understanding or proposed contract, arrangement or understanding to which the person or a body corporate related to the person is or would be a party; together have or are likely to have that effect. (5) This section does not apply to or in relation to: (a) a provision of a contract where the provision constitutes a covenant to which section 45B applies or, but for subsection 45B(9), would apply; (b) a provision of a proposed contract where the provision would constitute a covenant to which section 45B would apply or, but for subsection 45B(9), would apply; or (c) a provision of a contract, arrangement or understanding or of a proposed contract, arrangement or understanding in so far as the provision relates to: (i) conduct that contravenes section 48; or (ii) conduct that would contravene section 48 but for the operation of subsection 88(8A); or (iii) conduct that would contravene section 48 if this Act defined the acts constituting the practice of resale price maintenance by reference to the maximum price at which goods or services are to be sold or supplied or are to be advertised, displayed or offered for sale or supply. (6) The making of a contract, arrangement or understanding does not constitute a contravention of this section by reason that the contract, arrangement or understanding contains a provision the giving effect to which would, or would but for the operation of subsection 47(10) or 88(8) or section 93, constitute a contravention of section 47 and this section does not apply to or in relation to the giving effect to a provision of a contract, arrangement or understanding by way of: (a) engaging in conduct that contravenes, or would but for the operation of subsection 47(10) or 88(8) or section 93 contravene, section 47; or (b) doing an act by reason of a breach or threatened breach of a condition referred to in subsection 47(2), (4), (6) or (8), being an act done by a person at a time when: (i) an authorization under subsection 88(8) is in force in relation to conduct engaged in by that person on that condition; or (ii) by reason of subsection 93(7) conduct engaged in by that person on that condition is not to be taken to have the effect of substantially lessening competition within the meaning of section 47; or (iii) a notice under subsection 93(1) is in force in relation to conduct engaged in by that person on that condition. (7) This section does not apply to or in relation to a contract, arrangement or understanding in so far as the contract, arrangement or understanding provides, or to or in relation to a proposed contract, arrangement or understanding in so far as the proposed contract, arrangement or understanding would provide, directly or indirectly for the acquisition of any shares in the capital of a body corporate or any assets of a person. (8) This section does not apply to or in relation to a contract, arrangement or understanding, or a proposed contract, arrangement or understanding, the only parties to which are or would be bodies corporate that are related to each other. (9) The making by a person of a contract that contains a provision in relation to which subsection 88(1) applies is not a contravention of subsection (2) of this section if: (a) the contract is subject to a condition that the provision will not come into force unless and until the person is granted an authorization to give effect to the provision; and (b) the person applies for the grant of such an authorization within 14 days after the contract is made; but nothing in this subsection prevents the giving effect by a person to such a provision from constituting a contravention of subsection (2). 45A. Contracts, arrangements or understandings in relation to prices (1) Without limiting the generality of section 45, a provision of a contract, arrangement or understanding, or of a proposed contract, arrangement or understanding, shall be deemed for the purposes of that section to have the purpose, or to have or to be likely to have the effect, of substantially lessening competition if the provision has the purpose, or has or is likely to have the effect, as the case may be, of fixing, controlling or maintaining, or providing for the fixing, controlling or maintaining of, the price for, or a discount, allowance, rebate or credit in relation to, goods or services supplied or acquired or to be supplied or acquired by the parties to the contract, arrangement or understanding or the proposed parties to the proposed contract, arrangement or understanding, or by any of them, or by any bodies corporate that are related to any of them, in competition with each other. (2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a provision of a contract or arrangement made or of an understanding arrived at, or of a proposed contract or arrangement to be made or of a proposed understanding to be arrived at, for the purposes of a joint venture to the extent that the provision relates or would relate to: (a) the joint supply by 2 or more of the parties to the joint venture, or the supply by all the parties to the joint venture in proportion to their respective interests in the joint venture, of goods jointly produced by all the parties in pursuance of the joint venture; (b) the joint supply by 2 or more of the parties to the joint venture of services in pursuance of the joint venture, or the supply by all the parties to the joint venture in proportion to their respective interests in the joint venture of services in pursuance of, and made available as a result of, the joint venture; or (c) in the case of a joint venture carried on by a body corporate as mentioned in subparagraph 4J(a)(ii): (i) the supply by that body corporate of goods produced by it in pursuance of the joint venture; or (ii) the supply by that body corporate of services in pursuance of the joint venture, not being services supplied on behalf of the body corporate by: (A) a person who is the owner of shares in the capital of the body corporate; or (B) a body corporate that is related to such a person. (4) Subsection (1) does not apply to a provision of a contract, arrangement or understanding, or of a proposed contract, arrangement or understanding, being a provision: (a) in relation to the price for goods or services to be collectively acquired, whether directly or indirectly, by parties to the contract, arrangement or understanding or by proposed parties to the proposed contract, arrangement or understanding; or (b) for the joint advertising of the price for the re‑supply of goods or services so acquired. (5) For the purposes of this Act, a provision of a contract, arrangement or understanding, or of a proposed contract, arrangement or understanding, shall not be taken not to have the purpose, or not to have or to be likely to have the effect, of fixing, controlling or maintaining, or providing for the fixing, controlling or maintaining of, the price for, or a discount, allowance, rebate or credit in relation to, goods or services by reason only of: (a) the form of, or of that provision of, the contract, arrangement or understanding or the proposed contract, arrangement or understanding; or (b) any description given to, or to that provision of, the contract, arrangement or understanding or the proposed contract, arrangement or understanding by the parties or proposed parties. (6) For the purposes of this Act but without limiting the generality of subsection (5), a provision of a contract, arrangement or understanding, or of a proposed contract, arrangement or understanding, shall not be taken not to have the purpose, or not to have or to be likely to have the effect, of fixing, controlling or maintaining, or providing for the fixing, controlling or maintaining of, the price for, or a discount, allowance, rebate or credit in relation to, goods or services by reason only that the provision recommends, or provides for the recommending of, such a price, discount, allowance, rebate or credit if in fact the provision has that purpose or has or is likely to have that effect. (7) For the purposes of the preceding provisions of this section but without limiting the generality of those provisions, a provision of a contract, arrangement or understanding, or of a proposed contract, arrangement or understanding, shall be deemed to have the purpose, or to have or to be likely to have the effect, of fixing, controlling or maintaining, or providing for the fixing, controlling or maintaining of, the price for, or a discount, allowance, rebate or credit in relation to, goods or services supplied as mentioned in subsection (1) if the provision has the purpose, or has or is likely to have the effect, of fixing, controlling or maintaining, or providing for the fixing, controlling or maintaining of, such a price, discount, allowance, rebate or credit in relation to a re‑supply of the goods or services by persons to whom the goods or services are or would be supplied by the parties to the contract, arrangement or understanding or the proposed parties to the proposed contract, arrangement or understanding, or by any of them, or by any bodies corporate that are related to any of them. (8) The reference in subsection (1) to the supply or acquisition of goods or services by persons in competition with each other includes a reference to the supply or acquisition of goods or services by persons who, but for a provision of any contract, arrangement or understanding or of any proposed contract, arrangement or understanding, would be, or would be likely to be, in competition with each other in relation to the supply or acquisition of the goods or services. 45B. Covenants affecting competition (1) A covenant, whether the covenant was given before or after the commencement of this section, is unenforceable in so far as it confers rights or benefits or imposes duties or obligations on a first person or on a person associated with a first person if the covenant has, or is likely to have, the effect of substantially lessening competition in any market in which the first person or any person associated with the first person supplies or acquires, or is likely to supply or acquire, goods or services or would, but for the covenant, supply or acquire, or be likely to supply or acquire, goods or services. (2) A first person or a person associated with a first person shall not: (a) require the giving of a covenant, or give a covenant, if the proposed covenant has the purpose, or would have or be likely to have the effect, of substantially lessening competition in any market in which: (i) the first person, or any person associated with the first person by virtue of paragraph (7)(b), supplies or acquires, is likely to supply or acquire, or would, but for the covenant, supply or acquire, or be likely to supply or acquire, goods or services; or (ii) any person associated with the first person by virtue of the operation of paragraph (7)(a) supplies or acquires, is likely to supply or acquire, or would, but for the covenant, supply or acquire, or be likely to supply or acquire, goods or services, being a supply or acquisition in relation to which that person is, or would be, under an obligation to act in accordance with directions, instructions or wishes of the first person; (b) threaten to engage in particular conduct if a person who, but for subsection (1), would be bound by a covenant does not comply with the terms of the covenant; or (c) engage in particular conduct by reason that a person who, but for subsection (1), would be bound by a covenant has failed to comply, or proposes or threatens to fail to comply, with the terms of the covenant. (3) Where a person: (a) issues an invitation to another person to enter into a contract containing a covenant; (b) makes an offer to another person to enter into a contract containing a covenant; or (c) makes it known that the person will not enter into a contract of a particular kind unless the contract contains a covenant of a particular kind or in particular terms; the first‑mentioned person shall, by issuing that invitation, making that offer or making that fact known, be deemed to require the giving of the covenant. (4) For the purposes of this section, a covenant or proposed covenant shall be deemed to have, or to be likely to have, the effect of substantially lessening competition in a market if the covenant or proposed covenant, as the case may be, would have, or be likely to have, that effect when taken together with the effect or likely effect on competition in that market of any other covenant or proposed covenant to the benefit of which: (a) a person who is or would be, or but for subsection (1) would be, entitled to the benefit of the first‑mentioned covenant or proposed covenant; or (b) a person associated with the person referred to in paragraph (a); is or would be, or but for subsection (1) would be, entitled. (5) The requiring of the giving of, or the giving of, a covenant does not constitute a contravention of this section by reason that giving effect to the covenant would, or would but for the operation of subsection 88(8) or section 93, constitute a contravention of section 47 and this section does not apply to or in relation to engaging in conduct in relation to a covenant by way of: (a) conduct that contravenes, or would but for the operation of subsection 88(8) or section 93 contravene, section 47; or (b) doing an act by reason of a breach or threatened breach of a condition referred to in subsection 47(2), (4), (6) or (8), being an act done by a person at a time when: (i) an authorization under subsection 88(8) is in force in relation to conduct engaged in by that person on that condition; or (ii) by reason of subsection 93(7) conduct engaged in by that person on that condition is not to be taken to have the effect of substantially lessening competition within the meaning of section 47; or (iii) a notice under subsection 93(1) is in force in relation to conduct engaged in by that person on that condition. (6) This section does not apply to or in relation to a covenant or proposed covenant where the only persons who are or would be respectively bound by, or entitled to the benefit of, the covenant or proposed covenant are persons who are associated with each other or are bodies corporate that are related to each other. (7) For the purposes of this section, section 45C and subparagraph 87(3)(a)(ii), the first person and another person (the second person) shall be taken to be associated with each other in relation to a covenant or proposed covenant if, and only if: (a) the first person is a body corporate and the second person is under an obligation (otherwise than in pursuance of the covenant or proposed covenant), whether formal or informal, to act in accordance with directions, instructions or wishes of the first person in relation to the covenant or proposed covenant; or (b) the second person is a body corporate in relation to which the first person is in the position mentioned in subparagraph 4A(1)(a)(ii). (8) The requiring by a person of the giving of, or the giving by a person of, a covenant in relation to which subsection 88(5) applies is not a contravention of subsection (2) of this section if: (a) the covenant is subject to a condition that the covenant will not come into force unless and until the person is granted an authorization to require the giving of, or to give, the covenant; and (b) the person applies for the grant of such an authorization within 14 days after the covenant is given; but nothing in this subsection affects the application of paragraph (2)(b) or (c) in relation to the covenant. (9) This section does not apply to or in relation to a covenant or proposed covenant if: (a) the sole or principal purpose for which the covenant was or is required to be given was or is to prevent the relevant land from being used otherwise than for residential purposes; (b) the person who required or requires the covenant to be given was or is a religious, charitable or public benevolent institution or a trustee for such an institution and the covenant was or is required to be given for or in accordance with the purposes or objects of that institution; or (c) the covenant was or is required to be given in pursuance of a legally enforceable requirement made by, or by a trustee for, a religious, charitable or public benevolent institution, being a requirement made for or in accordance with the purposes or objects of that institution. 45C. Covenants in relation to prices (1) In the application of subsection 45B(1) in relation to a covenant that has, or is likely to have, the effect of fixing, controlling or maintaining, or providing for the fixing, controlling or maintaining of, the price for, or a discount, allowance, rebate or credit in relation to, goods or services supplied or acquired by the persons who are, or but for that subsection would be, bound by or entitled to the benefit of the covenant, or by any of them, or by any persons associated with any of them, in competition with each other, that subsection has effect as if the words "if the covenant has, or is likely to have, the effect of substantially lessening competition in any market in which the first person or any person associated with the first person supplies or acquires, or is likely to supply or acquire, goods or services or would, but for the covenant, supply or acquire, or be likely to supply or acquire, goods or services" were omitted. (2) In the application of subsection 45B(2) in relation to a proposed covenant that has the purpose, or would have or be likely to have the effect, of fixing, controlling or maintaining, or providing for the fixing, controlling or maintaining of, the price for, or a discount, allowance, rebate or credit in relation to, goods or services supplied or acquired by the persons who would, or would but for subsection 45B(1), be bound by or entitled to the benefit of the proposed covenant, or by any of them, or by any persons associated with any of them, in competition with each other, paragraph 45B(2)(a) has effect as if all the words after the words "require the giving of a covenant, or give a covenant" were omitted. (3) For the purposes of this Act, a covenant