MMM: The ACCC is seeking orders against Murray Goulburn that include declarations, compliance program orders, corrective notices and costs. What do all these terms mean and can you offer any examples of what the declarations, orders and notices might look like or the form they could take?

ACCC: A declaration is an order from the Court stating that the conduct breaches the law, in this case -the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). This provides guidance to the ACCC and to businesses about what future conduct may be found in breach of the law.

Compliance programs can include requiring company directors to undergo training in the requirements of the CCA and the Australian Consumer Law.

Corrective notices can include notices printed online or in local newspapers alerting affected parties as to the Court’s findings of a breach of the law.

The Court can order that one party pay costs, or split costs, (such as the fees and other expenses a solicitor charges for providing of legal services, such as court fees.), if the court considers that party to be at fault.

The ACCC is also seeking disqualification orders against Mr Helou and Mr Hingle. A disqualification order can prevent a person from managing corporations for a period the court considers appropriate

MMM: Why is MG’s board of directors not included in the ACCC’s action?

The ACCC has taken action against former managing director Gary Helou and former chief financial officer Bradley Hingle, as it considers that they were knowingly concerned in Murray Goulburn’s conduct.

MMM: How long do these proceedings of this kind usually take?

Court proceedings can become lengthy, and matters can run in excess of 12 months. The ACCC cannot speculate how long this proceeding take to conclude.

MMM: What does the ACCC consider would be the magnitude of an appropriate pecuniary penalty for Helou and Hingle?

The ACL allows for pecuniary penalties for individuals of up to $220,000 per contravention. It is up to the court to determine the penalty to be imposed on the parties.

MMM: The ACCC is not seeking pecuniary penalties against MG but what is the likely scale of the costs it might face if the ACCC is successful?

The ACCC cannot speculate. It is determined, in part, by the length of the case.

MMM: Trade practices lawyer Michael Terceiro tweeted today that “ACCC sues Murray Goulburn – looks risky trying to dress-up a misleading & deceptive case as unconscionable conduct”. What is the difference between the two and why is the ACCC opting for unconscionable conduct rather than misleading and deceptive conduct?

It is noted that the ACCC is alleging Murray Goulburn engaged in unconscionable and misleading or deceptive conduct, and made false representations.

The ACL prohibits misleading or deceptive conduct, and making false or misleading claims.

The ACL also prohibits unconscionable conduct such as particularly harsh or oppressive behaviour that goes against conscience as judged against business and social norms and standards.

There are a number of factors a court will consider when assessing whether is unconscionable.

These include:

• the relative bargaining strength of the parties
• whether any conditions were imposed on the weaker party that were not reasonably necessary to protect the legitimate interests of the stronger party
• whether the weaker party could understand the documentation used
• the use of undue influence, pressure or unfair tactics by the stronger party
• the requirements of applicable industry codes
• the willingness of the stronger party to negotiate
• the extent to which the parties acted in good faith.

This is not an exhaustive list and it should be noted that the court may also consider any other factor it thinks relevant.

MMM: Fonterra Australia will not be pursued by the ACCC because it signalled the possibility of price falls early. Did it consider the retrospective nature of the drop, the lack of notice and the levying of interest on farmers who did not opt to take loans?

The ACCC considered all issues raised during its investigation.  After assessing all of the information provided, the ACCC considers Fonterra Australia was more transparent about the risks and potential for a reduction in the farmgate milk price from quite early in the season.

Thanks again to the ACCC for this explainer.