Description of Conduct
On 6 April 2020 Queensland Health, on behalf of the State of Queensland, applied for authorisation on behalf of itself, specified owners of private healthcare facilities, and each of Queensland’s Hospital and Health Services (the Applicants). The Applicants are seeking authorisation to discuss, enter and give effect to contracts, arrangements or understandings which have the broad purpose of maximising healthcare capacity and ensuring the State-wide coordination of healthcare services to facilitate the most efficient and effective allocation of healthcare during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic (the Proposed Conduct).
Queensland Health seeks authorisation for 12 months from the date of the ACCC’s final determination.
On 7 April 2020, the ACCC granted interim authorisation, subject to conditions which require Queensland Health to provide regular updates to the ACCC regarding the implementation of the Proposed Conduct, and notify the ACCC of any other private healthcare providers who are to engage in the Proposed Conduct.
On 9 July 2020, the ACCC issued a draft determination proposing to grant conditional authorisation until 30 September 2021.
On 13 August 2020, the ACCC granted conditional authorisation to Queensland Health until 30 September 2021. The final determination document can be found below.
If no application for review of the determination is made to the Australian Competition Tribunal, the authorisation will come into force on 4 September 2020.
Further information on the application for authorisation and the ACCC’s decision is available through the link below.
An indicative timetable is set out below for your information.
6 April 2020 |
Lodgement of application and supporting submission, including request for interim authorisation. |
7 April 2020 |
Interim decision. |
7 April 2020 |
Public consultation process begins. |
8 May 2020 |
Closing date for submissions on the substantive application for authorisation from interested parties. |
9 July 2020 |
Draft determination. |
July 2020 |
Public consultation on draft determination including any conference if called. |
13 August 2020 |
Final determination. |
4 September 2020 |
Authorisation comes into effect. |
Applicant(s)
- The State of Queensland as represented by Queensland Health
Applications
Document title | Date | |
---|---|---|
Notice of additional private hospital operators | ||
Application Received |
Decisions
Document title | Date | |
---|---|---|
Final Determination | ||
Draft Determination | ||
Interim Authorisation Decision |