July 20, 2009
Australia grain handlers waiting for port access test results
Australia's three largest bulk grain handlers will find out within weeks if they have passed the port access test put forward by competition watchdog, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
ABB Grain, CBH and GrainCorp had submitted formal undertakings to the ACCC, committing them to provide "fair and transparent access" to their grain export terminals for all wheat exporters in the deregulated marketplace.
The industry had previously raised concerns that allowing companies that ran an export terminal to also export wheat could lead to anti-competitive behaviour and favouritism at port terminals.
A final decision would be made by the end of September, with the companies required to have an ACCC-approved undertaking in place by October 1 to retain their bulk wheat export accreditation.
ACCC chairman Graeme Samuel said even if the access provisions were not up to scratch, market competition would not be affected as offenders would lose their bulk wheat export accreditation.
