On 1 April 2016 the ACCC released a final determination granting an exemption to Patrick at its Port Adelaide port terminal facility from Parts 3 to 6 of the Port Terminal Access (Bulk Wheat) Code of Conduct.
On 11 October 2017 the ACCC revoked the exemption granted to Patrick at its Berth 29, Port Adelaide facility. The ACCC was satisfied that the reasons for granting the exemption no longer applied, as Patrick ceased operating as the port terminal service provider at this port terminal facility. On 11 October 2017 the ACCC granted an exemption to LINX Cargo Care Group, which commenced operating as a port terminal service provider at the same port terminal facility immediately after Patrick.
The mandatory code on bulk wheat terminal access commenced on 30 September 2014. The code regulates bulk wheat port terminal operators to ensure that exporters have fair and transparent access to terminal facilities. The code allows for regulation to be reduced at ports where appropriate. The ACCC may exempt a port terminal service provider from certain provisions of the code in relation to a specific port terminal facility.