ICCC

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Commissioner's Message

The primary role of the ICCC is to administer and implement the ICCC Act and other related legislation.

In fulfilling this primary role, the ICCC performs a number of functions including:

Performing functions relating to administration of price regulation, regulatory contracts, licensing, industry regulation and other matters as conferred on the ICCC by or under the ICCC Act or any other Act, including, without limitation, in relation to issuing, administering and enforcing regulatory contracts under Part III of the Act;

Promoting and protecting the bona fide interests of consumers and businesses in relation to the acquisition and supply of goods and services;

Making available information in relation to matters affecting the interests of consumers and businesses, including information with respect to the rights and obligations of persons under Papua New Guinea laws that are designed to protect the interests of consumers;

Investigating complaints concerning matters affecting or likely to affect the bona fide interests of consumers and businesses in relation to the acquisition of goods and services and to enforce compliance with laws relating to such matters;

Promoting and protecting competition in the market and to enforce compliance with laws relating to market conduct and behaviour in Papua New Guinea in accordance with Part VI of the Act;

Monitoring the operation of, and reviewing from time to time, codes and rules relating to the conduct or operation of regulated entities;

Advising and making recommendations to the Minister in relation to any matter referred to the ICCC by the Minister; and to advise and make recommendations to the Minister with respect to any matter connected with the ICCC Act or with respect to any matter connected to any other Act which confers functions on the ICCC; and

Such other functions as may be conferred on the ICCC by any other Act.

In performing its functions and exercising its powers under the ICCC Act, the ICCC will have regard to the following primary objectives:

(a) Enhance the welfare of the people through the promotion of competition and fair trading and the protection of consumers’ interests;

(b) Promote economic efficiency in industry structure, investment and conduct; and

(c) Protect the long term interests of the people with regard to the price, quality and reliability of significant goods and services.

These broad objectives are complemented by a set of facilitating objectives which are detailed under Section 5(2) of Part II of the ICCC Act 2002 as follows:

(a) To promote and protect the bona fide interests of consumers with regard to price, quality and reliability of goods and services;

(b) To ensure that users and consumers (including low-income or vulnerable consumers) benefit from competition and efficiency;

(c) To promote and encourage competitive and fair trading practices;

(d) To ensure timely assessment of clearance and authorisation applications;

(e) To monitor the market place to prevent abuse of market power or other breaches of the Act;

(f) To promote and encourage the efficient operation of industries and efficient investment in industries;

(g) To ensure that regulatory decision making has regard to any applicable health, safety, environmental and social legislation;

(h) To ensure effective administration of the Trade Measurements Act;

(i) To ensure that issues raised at the Consumer Products Consultative Committee (CPCC) are effectively followed up;

(j) To seek effective outcomes for consumers’ complaints;

(k) To ensure timely assessment of regulatory reviews;

(l) To ensure consistency with regulatory outcomes;

(m) To identify new industries for possible regulation or de-regulation;

(n) To ensure continuous improvement in Commission decision making processes;

(o) To continuously develop ways of meeting ICCC’s present and future litigation needs and skills;

(p) To effectively manage ICCC finances and manpower resources;

(q) To develop and implement a comprehensive training plan.