Access Regulation in Australia

Access Regulation in Australia provides a much-needed guide to regulatory access issues, explaining the regimes currently in operation and the economic and legal principles which underpin them.

This title is a very timely release as more ‘poles-and-wires’ are privatised around Australia and regulated access is a critical prerequisite for private sector investment in such infrastructure. Whether its energy, airports, rail or telecommunications, access to these national assets is managed by finely-balanced regulatory regimes. 

Regulation promotes competition, investment and economically efficient outcomes, in contexts where these would not ordinarily result and natural monopolies might otherwise form. Overseeing all of this are the statutory regulators and the Australian Competition Tribunal,  committed to enforcing the terms of the legislation.

From a national perspective, but with reference to state regulatory regimes where necessary, Access Regulation in Australia provides valuable guidance through the access arrangements, addressing the forms of and approaches to access regulation, explaining the access regimes in Australia by sector and the review mechanisms. Each chapter draws out the essential elements of the regime in unprecedented detail -  but with ease-of-use in mind.

While other works may include reference to regulatory access issues, this new title provides a dedicated focus on the subject, authored by four specialists with a wealth of experience in competition and regulation matters.

Access Regulation in Australia will be an indispensable tool for competition law practitioners, the regulators and counsel working in the energy, telecommunications and other related sectors.