10 December 2013

Dunne Wary of Commerce Commission Review

UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne is warning the Government not to use the regulatory review announced yesterday to weaken the Commerce Commission.

Mr Dunne was commenting on speculation that the Government would use the review to rein in the autonomy of the Commerce Commission, following its displeasure over the Chorus copper pricing decision.

“Limiting the autonomy of the Commerce Commission would not only be vengeful in the current circumstances, but would also be poor public policy.

“”If anything, we need to be strengthening the autonomy of bodies like the Commerce Commission to diffuse power, and to protect businesses and consumers from monopolistic and anti-competitive practices,” Mr Dunne says.

Mr Dunne says he is not opposed in principle to a review of regulatory regimes, but the goal should be to enhance their autonomy and transparency in the overall public interest, not restrict it.

Ends

© Scoop Media