Merger Reform and Banking Services

Keith Wolahan MP questioned the impact of merger reform and bank partnerships with Australia Post on competition. Gina Cass-Gottlieb, ACCC Chair, expressed satisfaction with current merger reform and noted the ACCC would monitor bank-Australia Post agreements closely. The discussion highlighted the need to consider the impact on metropolitan areas and potential cross-subsidies. The ACCC Chair emphasized the importance of scrutinizing Australia Post's cost allocation to ensure fair competition. Key evidence included recent bank-Australia Post agreements and previous authorisation of collective ATM provision in regional areas. The main concerns centred on metropolitan competition and Australia Post's cost allocation. The outcome was the ACCC's commitment to closely monitor the situation and potentially scrutinise Australia Post's costs further.