National Regulation of the Queensland Coal Network?

The National Competition Council plans to refuse Pacific National’s application to have the Central Queensland Coal Rail Network declared a third party access regime as it might use its track monopoly to engage in anti-competitive behaviour.

If the Rail network were declared as a third party access regime, all issues would be dealt with by the ACCC under the new Trade Practices Act consumer protection provisions. This would mean that lengthy delays would occur if any access was challenged to the rail network by third party rail operators.

 

Do you think that by declaring the network as a third party access regime, they are securing a level playing field for all participants? Or do you think it will negatively impact third party rail operators with a track monopoly?