About us

The role of the National Competition Council

The National Competition Council (NCC) is an independent statutory body that provides national leadership on competition policy and market reform. Section 29B of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 sets out the functions and powers of the NCC.

The NCC advises the Australian Government and State and Territory governments on competition reform and plays a key role in supporting the implementation of National Competition Policy across the federation. The NCC also administers the National Access Regime, assessing applications for access to nationally significant infrastructure to promote competition where it is in the long-term interests of consumers.

By providing independent advice and fostering informed debate on competition reform, the NCC helps strengthen Australia’s markets, improve productivity and support long-term economic prosperity.

The National Competition Council

The NCC comprises the President and three part time councillors with a variety of backgrounds who are drawn from different parts of Australia. More information about the current councillors can be accessed using the left-hand menu.

The NCC changed its approach to the provision of secretariat services as of 1 July 2014. Under the new arrangements the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) provides secretariat services to the NCC, including advice and support in relation to NCC recommendations, decisions and reports, and administrative services. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been established between the NCC and the ACCC to deliver these services.

Change of approach to provision of secretariat services (PDF, 89KB)

Memorandum of Understanding and Confidential Information Protocol

In accordance with Part IIA of the CCA, the NCC remains an independent entity. 

National Competition Policy

Under the Intergovernmental Agreement on National Competition Policy and the associated Federation Funding Agreement , the NCC supports the implementation and monitoring of competition reforms agreed by the Australian Government and State and Territory governments.

The NCC provides independent advice on the progress of National Competition Policy reforms across jurisdictions, including identifying opportunities to improve competition, reduce unnecessary regulatory barriers and strengthen the functioning of markets. The NCC also reports on reform progress and provides guidance to governments to support the delivery of agreed competition outcomes.

Through this role, the NCC helps promote nationally consistent reform that improves productivity, supports economic growth and delivers benefits for consumers, businesses and the broader community.

Third-party access regulation

The National Access Regime in Part IIIA of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) (CCA) seeks to promote the efficient operation of, use of and investment in monopoly infrastructure. The regime provides for access to the services of infrastructure facilities on appropriate terms, through the declaration of services.

The NCC’s role under the National Access Regime is to make recommendations to relevant ministers in relation to applications for declaration of services and also the certification of state or territory access regimes.

The NCC has a similar role under the Western Australian National Gas (Access) Law, whereby it makes recommendations on the coverage of natural gas pipeline systems in Western Australia. Under the WA National Gas Access Law, the NCC also has the tasks of deciding the form of regulation of natural gas pipeline systems (light or full regulation), classifying pipelines (as transmission or distribution) and recommending in relation to various exemptions for greenfields gas pipelines.

Further information regarding declaration, certification and the National Gas Law is provided in the ‘Making an application’ section of this website.