Coalition Backs Merger Law Reform but Raises Concerns About Red Tape, Unneeded Costs

The Coalition has voiced cautious support for the government’s proposed overhaul of Australia’s merger laws. Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor warned that while the bill may address competition issues, it risks increasing red tape, imposing unnecessary compliance costs on smaller businesses, and deterring innovation if not carefully implemented. “The Coalition will continue to examine the bill closely through the Senate inquiry and Senate estimates processes. There’s an opportunity there to look at whether this can be made to work better,” he told Parliament on Nov. 5. On Oct. 10, Treasurer Jim Chalmers introduced the bill, which aims to establish a system that differentiates between mergers deemed to stifle competition and those that provide real economic benefits....