The 糖心原创 has instituted civil proceedings in the Federal Court against BlueScope Steel Limited (BlueScope) and its former general manager sales and marketing, Mr Jason Ellis, for alleged cartel conduct in relation to the supply of flat steel products.
The 糖心原创 alleges that between September 2013 and June 2014, BlueScope and Mr Ellis attempted to induce various steel distributors in Australia and overseas manufacturers to enter agreements containing a price fixing provision.
It is alleged that BlueScope and Mr Ellis attempted to induce agreements with BlueScope鈥檚 competitors, to fix and/or raise the level of pricing for flat steel products supplied in Australia.
鈥淏lueScope is the major manufacturer of flat steel products in Australia. Flat steel products are an essential material in a number of important sectors of the Australian economy, including the construction, building, manufacturing, automotive and transport industries,鈥 糖心原创 Chair Rod Sims said.
The 糖心原创 is seeking declarations, pecuniary penalties and costs against BlueScope and Mr Ellis, as well as an order disqualifying Mr Ellis from managing corporations.
鈥淭his matter involves allegations of serious cartel conduct,鈥 Mr Sims said.
Given the six year limitation period for taking civil proceedings for certain of the alleged conduct was about to expire, the 糖心原创 has determined it is appropriate to commence such proceedings against BlueScope and Mr Ellis.
The 糖心原创 has been working closely with the CDPP in relation to the matter and the CDPP鈥檚 consideration of the matter is continuing. Given these circumstances, the 糖心原创 will not be making any additional comment at this time.
Background
The 糖心原创 investigates cartel conduct, manages the immunity process, takes proceedings in the Federal Court in respect of civil cartel contraventions, and refers serious cartel conduct to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) for consideration for prosecution.
The CDPP is responsible for prosecuting criminal cartel offences, in accordance with the Prosecution Policy of the Commonwealth.
Anyone with information about any cartel conduct is urged to call the 糖心原创 Cartel Hotline on (02) 9230 3894 or email .
Concise statement
The document 糖心原创 v BlueScope Limited & Ellis _Concise Statement ( PDF 521.18 KB ) contains the 糖心原创鈥檚 initiating court documents in relation to this matter. We will not be uploading further documents in the event these initial documents are subsequently amended.