USA/Australia Mutual Antitrust Enforcement Assistance Agreement

AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF AUSTRALIA ON MUTUAL ANTITRUST ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE

The Government of the United States of America and the Government of Australia (individually a "Party" or collectively the "Parties"), desiring to improve the effectiveness of the enforcement of the antitrust laws of both countries through cooperation and mutual legal assistance on a reciprocal basis, hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

Antitrust Authority - refers, in the case of the United States, to the United States Department of Justice or the United States Federal Trade Commission. In the case of Australia, the term refers to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

Antitrust Evidence - refers to information, testimony, statements, documents or copies thereof, or other things that are obtained, in anticipation of, or during the course of, an investigation or proceeding under the Parties' respective antitrust laws, or pursuant to the Parties' Mutual Assistance Legislation.

Antitrust Laws - refers, in the case of the United States, to the laws enumerated in subsection (a) of the first section of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. 12(a), and to Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, 15 U.S.C. 45, to the extent that such Section 5 applies to unfair methods of competition. In the case of Australia, the term refers to Part IV of the Trade Practices Act 1974; other provisions of that Act except Part X in so far as they relate to Part IV; Regulations made under that Act in so far as they relate to Part IV, except Regulations to the extent that they relate to Part X; and the Competition Code of the Australian States and Territories.

Central Authority - refers, in the case of the United States, to the Attorney General (or a person designated by the Attorney General), in consultation with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. In the case of Australia, the term refers to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, in consultation with the Attorney General's Department.

Executing Authority - refers, in the case of the United States, to the Antitrust Authority designated to execute a particular request on behalf of a Party. In the case of Australia, the term includes the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Attorney General's Department.

Mutual Assistance Legislation - refers, in the case of the United States, to the International Antitrust Enforcement Assistance Act of 1994, 15 U.S.C. 6201-6212, Public Law No. 103-438, 108 Stat. 4597. In the case of Australia, the term refers to the Mutual Assistance in Business Regulation Act 1992 and the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 1987, and Regulations made pursuant to those Acts.

Person or Persons - refers to any natural person or legal entity, including corporations, unincorporated associations, partnerships, or bodies corporate existing under or authorized by the laws of either the United States, its States, or its Territories, the laws of Australia, its States, or its Territories, or the laws of other sovereign states.

Request - refers to a request for assistance under this Agreement.

Requested Party - refers to the Party from which assistance is sought under this Agreement, or which has provided such assistance.

Requesting Party - refers to the Party seeking or receiving assistance under this Agreement.

ARTICLE II

OBJECT AND SCOPE OF ASSISTANCE

A. The Parties intend to assist one another and to cooperate on a reciprocal basis in providing or obtaining antitrust evidence that may assist in determining whether a person has violated, or is about to violate, their respective antitrust laws, or in facilitating the administration or enforcement of such antitrust laws.

B. Each Party's Antitrust Authorities shall, to the extent compatible with that Party's laws, enforcement policies, and other important interests, inform the other Party's Antitrust Authorities about activities that appear to be anticompetitive and that may be relevant to, or may warrant, enforcement activity by the other Party's Antitrust Authorities.

C. Each Party's Antitrust Authorities shall, to the extent compatible with that Party's laws, enforcement policies, and other important interests, inform the other Party's Antitrust Authorities about investigative or enforcement activities taken pursuant to assistance provided under this Agreement that may affect the important interests of the other Party.

D. Nothing in this Agreement shall require the Parties or their respective Antitrust Authorities to take any action inconsistent with their respective Mutual Assistance Legislation.

E. Assistance contemplated by this Agreement includes but is not limited to:

1. disclosing, providing, exchanging, or discussing antitrust evidence in the possession of an Antitrust Authority;
2. obtaining antitrust evidence at the request of an Antitrust Authority of the other Party, including
   • (a) taking the testimony or statements of persons or otherwise obtaining information from persons,
   • (b) obtaining documents, records, or other forms of documentary evidence,
   • (c) locating or identifying persons or things, and
   • (d) executing searches and seizures,
   • and disclosing, providing, exchanging, or discussing such evidence; and
3. providing copies of publicly available records, including documents or information in any form, in the possession of government departments and agencies of the national government of the Requested Party.

F. Assistance may be provided whether or not the conduct underlying a request would constitute a violation of the antitrust laws of the Requested Party.

G. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent a Party from seeking assistance from or providing assistance to the other pursuant to other agreements, treaties, arrangements, or practices, including the Agreement Between the Government of Australia and the Government of the United States of America Relating to Cooperation on Antitrust Matters of June 29, 1982, either in place of or in conjunction with assistance provided pursuant to this Agreement.

H. Except as provided by paragraphs C and D of Article VII, this Agreement shall be used solely for the purpose of mutual antitrust enforcement assistance between the Parties. The provisions of this Agreement shall not give rise to a right on the part of any private person to obtain, suppress, or exclude any evidence, or to impede the execution of a request made pursuant to this Agreement.

I. Nothing in this Agreement compels a person to provide antitrust evidence in violation of any legally applicable right or privilege.

J. Nothing in this Agreement affects the right of an Antitrust Authority of one Party to seek antitrust evidence on a voluntary basis from a person located in the territory of the other Party, nor does anything in this Agreement preclude any such person from voluntarily providing antitrust evidence to an Antitrust Authority.

ARTICLE III

REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE

A. Requests for assistance under this Agreement shall be made by an Antitrust Authority of the Requesting Party. Such requests shall be made in writing and directed to the Central Authority of the Requested Party. With respect to the United States, the Attorney General, acting as the Central Authority, will upon receipt forward a copy of each request to the Federal Trade Commission.

B. Requests shall include, without limitation:

1. A general description of the subject matter and nature of the investigation or proceeding to which the request relates, including identification of the persons subject to the investigation or proceeding and citations to the specific antitrust laws involved giving rise to the investigation or proceeding; such description shall include information sufficient to explain how the subject matter of the request concerns a possible violation of the antitrust laws in question;
2. The purpose for which the antitrust evidence, information, or other assistance is sought and its relevance to the investigation or proceeding to which the request relates. A request by the United States shall state either that the request is not made for the purpose of any criminal proceedings or that the request is made for a purpose that includes possible criminal proceedings. In the former case, the request shall contain a written assurance that antitrust evidence obtained pursuant to the request shall not be used for the purposes of criminal proceedings, unless such use is subsequently authorized pursuant to Article VII. In the latter case, the request shall indicate the relevant provisions of law under which criminal proceedings may be brought;
3. A description of the antitrust evidence, information, or other assistance sought, including, where applicable and to the extent necessary and possible:
   • (a) the identity and location of any person from whom evidence is sought, and a description of that person's relationship to the investigation or proceeding which is the subject of the request;
   • (b) a list of questions to be asked of a witness;
   • (c) a description of documentary evidence requested; and
   • (d) with respect to searches and seizures, a precise description of the place or person to be searched and of the antitrust evidence to be seized, and information justifying such search and seizure under the laws of the Requested Party;
4. Where applicable, a description of procedural or evidentiary requirements bearing on the manner in which the Requesting Party desires the request to be executed, which may include requirements relating to:
   • (a) the manner in which any testimony or statement is to be taken or recorded, including the participation of counsel;
   • (b) the administration of oaths;
   • (c) any legal privileges that may be invoked under the law of the Requesting Party that the Requesting Party wishes the Executing Authority to respect in executing the request, together with an explanation of the desired method of taking the testimony or provision of evidence to which such privileges may apply; and
   • (d) the authentication of public records;
5. The desired time period for a response to the request;
6. 6. Requirements, if any, for confidential treatment of the request or its contents; and
7. A statement disclosing whether the Requesting Party holds any proprietary interest that could benefit or otherwise be affected by assistance provided in response to the request; and
8. Any other information that may facilitate review or execution of a request.

C. Requests shall be accompanied by written assurances of the relevant Antitrust Authority that there have been no significant modifications to the confidentiality laws and procedures described in Annex A hereto.

D. An Antitrust Authority may modify or supplement a request prior to its execution if the Requested Party agrees.

ARTICLE IV

LIMITATIONS ON ASSISTANCE

A. The Requested Party may deny assistance in whole or in part if that Party's Central Authority or Executing Authority, as appropriate, determine that:

1. a request is not made in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement;
2. execution of a request would exceed the Executing Authority's reasonably available resources;
3. execution of a request would not be authorized by the domestic law of the Requested Party;
4. execution of a request would be contrary to the public interest of the Requested Party.

B. Before denying a request, the Central Authority or the Executing Authority of the Requested Party, as appropriate, shall consult with the Central Authority of the Requesting Party and the Antitrust Authority that made the request to determine whether assistance may be given in whole or in part, subject to specified terms and conditions.

C. If a request is denied in whole or in part, the Central Authority or the Executing Authority of the Requested Party, as appropriate, shall promptly inform the Central Authority of the Requesting Party and the Antitrust Authority that made the request and provide an explanation of the basis for denial.

ARTICLE V

EXECUTION OF REQUESTS

A. After receiving a request, the Central Authority shall promptly provide the Requesting Party an initial response that includes, when applicable, an identification of the Executing Authority (Authorities) for the Request.

B. The Central Authority of the United States, the Attorney General of Australia, or, once designated, the Executing Authority of either Party may request additional information concerning the request or may determine that the request will be executed only subject to specified terms and conditions. Without limitation, such terms and conditions may relate to (1) the manner or timing of the execution of the request, or (2) the use or disclosure of any antitrust evidence provided. If the Requesting Party accepts assistance subject to such terms and conditions, it shall comply with them.

C. A request shall be executed in accordance with the laws of the Requested Party. The method of execution specified in the request shall be followed, unless it is prohibited by the law of the Requested Party or unless the Executing Authority otherwise concludes, after consultation with the Authority that made the request, that a different method of execution is appropriate.

D. The Executing Authority shall, to the extent permitted by the laws and other important interests of the Requested Party, facilitate the participation in the execution of a request of such officials of the Requesting Party as are specified in the request.

ARTICLE VI

CONFIDENTIALITY

A. Except as otherwise provided by this paragraph and Article VII, each Party shall, to the fullest extent possible consistent with that Party's laws, maintain the confidentiality of any request and of any information communicated to it in confidence by the other Party under this Agreement. In particular:

Each Party shall oppose, to the fullest extent possible consistent with that Party's laws, any application by a third party for disclosure of such confidential information.

B. By entering into this Agreement, each Party confirms that:

C. Unauthorized or illegal disclosure or use of information communicated in confidence to a Party pursuant to this Agreement shall be reported immediately to the Central Authority and the Executing Authority of the Party that provided the information; the Central Authorities of both Parties, together with the Executing Authority that provided the information, shall promptly consult on steps to minimize any harm resulting from the disclosure and to ensure that unauthorized or illegal disclosure or use of confidential information does not recur. The Executing Authority that provided the information shall give notice of such unauthorized or illegal disclosure or use to the person, if any, that provided such information to the Executing Authority.

D. Unauthorized or illegal disclosure or use of information communicated in confidence under this Agreement is a ground for termination of the Agreement by the affected Party, in accordance with the procedures set out in Article XIII.C.

E. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent disclosure, in an action or proceeding brought by an Antitrust Authority of the Requesting Party for a violation of the antitrust laws of the Requesting Party, of antitrust evidence provided hereunder to a defendant or respondent in that action or proceeding, if such disclosure is required by the law of the Requesting Party. The Requesting Party shall notify the Central Authority of the Requested Party and the Executing Authority that provided the information at least ten days in advance of any such proposed disclosure, or, if such notice cannot be given because of a court order, then as promptly as possible.

ARTICLE VII

LIMITATIONS ON USE

A. Except as provided in paragraphs C and D of this Article, antitrust evidence obtained pursuant to this Agreement shall be used or disclosed by the Requesting Party solely for the purpose of administering or enforcing the antitrust laws of the Requesting Party.

B. Antitrust evidence obtained pursuant to this Agreement may be used or disclosed by a Requesting Party to administer or enforce its antitrust laws only (1) in the investigation or proceeding specified in the request in question and (2) for the purpose stated in the request, unless the Executing Authority that provided such antitrust evidence has given its prior written consent to a different use or disclosure; when the Requested Party is Australia, such consent shall not be given until the Executing Authority has obtained any necessary approval from the Attorney General.

C. Antitrust evidence obtained pursuant to this Agreement may be used or disclosed by a Requesting Party with respect to the administration or enforcement of laws other than its antitrust laws only if (1) such use or disclosure is essential to a significant law enforcement objective and (2) the Executing Authority that provided such antitrust evidence has given its prior written consent to the proposed use or disclosure. In the case of the United States, the Executing Authority shall provide such consent only after it has made the determinations required for such consent by its mutual assistance legislation.

D. Antitrust evidence obtained pursuant to this Agreement that has been made public consistently with the terms of this Article may thereafter be used by the Requesting Party for any purpose consistent with the Parties' mutual assistance legislation.

ARTICLE VIII

CHANGES IN APPLICABLE LAW

A. The Parties shall provide to each other prompt written notice of actions within their respective States having the effect of significantly modifying their antitrust laws or the confidentiality laws and procedures set out in Annex A to this Agreement.

B. In the event of a significant modification to a Party's antitrust laws or confidentiality laws and procedures set out in Annex A to this Agreement, the Parties shall promptly consult to determine whether this Agreement or Annex A to this Agreement should be amended.

ARTICLE IX

TAKING OF TESTIMONY AND PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS

A. A person requested to testify and produce documents, records, or other articles pursuant to this Agreement may be compelled to appear and testify and produce such documents, records, and other articles, in accordance with the requirements of the laws of the Requested Party. Every person whose attendance is required for the purpose of giving testimony pursuant to this Agreement is entitled to such fees and allowances as may be provided for by the law of the Requested Party.

B. Upon request by the Requesting Party, the Executing Authority shall furnish information in advance about the date and place of the taking of testimony or the production of evidence pursuant to this Agreement.

C. The Executing Authority shall, to the extent permitted by the laws and other important interests of the Requested Party, permit the presence during the execution of the request of persons specified in the request, and shall, to the extent permitted by the laws and other important interests of the Requested Party, allow such persons to question the person giving the testimony or providing the evidence.

D. The Executing Authority shall, to the extent permitted by the laws of the Requested Party, comply with any instructions of the Requesting Party with respect to any claims of legal privilege, immunity, or incapacity under the laws of the Requesting Party.

E. The Executing Authority shall, to the extent permitted by the laws of the Requested Party, permit a person whose testimony is to be taken pursuant to this Article to have counsel present during the testimony.

F. A Requesting Party may ask the Requested Party to facilitate the appearance in the Requesting Party's territory of a person located in the territory of the Requested Party, for the purpose of being interviewed or giving testimony. The Requesting Party shall indicate the extent to which the person's expenses will be paid. Upon receiving such a request, the Executing Authority shall invite the person to appear before the appropriate authority in the territory of the Requesting Party. The Executing Authority shall promptly inform the Requesting Party of the person's response.

G. Antitrust evidence consisting of testimony or documentary evidence provided by the Requested Party pursuant to this Agreement shall be authenticated in accordance with the requirements of the law of the Requesting Party, in so far as such requirements would not violate the laws of the Requested Party.

ARTICLE X

SEARCH AND SEIZURE

A. Where a request is to be executed by means of the search and seizure of antitrust evidence, the request shall include such information as is necessary to justify such action under the laws of the Requested Party. The Central Authorities shall confer, as needed, on alternative, equally effective procedures for compelling or obtaining the antitrust evidence that is the subject of a request.

B. Upon request, every official of a Requested Party who has custody of antitrust evidence seized pursuant to this Agreement shall certify the continuity of custody, the identity of the antitrust evidence, and the integrity of its condition; the Requested Party shall furnish such certifications in the form specified by the Requesting Party.

ARTICLE XI

RETURN OF ANTITRUST EVIDENCE

At the conclusion of the investigation or proceeding specified in a request, the Central Authority or the Antitrust Authority of the Requesting Party shall return to the Central Authority or the Antitrust Authority of the Requested Party from which it obtained antitrust evidence all such evidence obtained pursuant to the execution of a request under this Agreement, along with all copies thereof, in the possession or control of the Central Authority or Antitrust Authority of the Requesting Party; provided, however, that antitrust evidence that has become evidence in the course of judicial or administrative proceedings or that has properly entered the public domain is not subject to this requirement.

ARTICLE XII

COSTS

Unless otherwise agreed, the Requested Party shall pay all costs of executing a request, except for the fees of expert witnesses, the costs of translation, interpretation, and transcription, and the allowances and expenses related to travel to the territory of the Requested Party, pursuant to Articles IX and X, by officials of the Requesting Party.

ARTICLE XIII

ENTRY INTO FORCE AND TERMINATION

A. This Agreement shall enter into force upon notification by each Party to the other through diplomatic channels that it has completed its necessary internal procedures.

B. Assistance under this Agreement shall be available in investigations or proceedings under the Parties' antitrust laws concerning conduct or transactions occurring before as well as after this Agreement enters into force.

C. As stated in Article VI.D of this Agreement, a Party may unilaterally elect to terminate this Agreement upon the unauthorized or illegal disclosure or use of confidential antitrust evidence provided hereunder; provided, however, that neither Party shall make such an election until after it has consulted with the other Party, pursuant to Article VI.C, regarding steps to minimize any harm resulting from the unauthorized or illegal disclosure or use of information communicated in confidence under this Agreement, and steps to ensure that such disclosure or use does not recur. Termination shall take effect immediately upon notice or at such future date as may be determined by the terminating Party.

D. On termination of this Agreement, the Parties agree, subject to Article VI.E and Article VII, to maintain the confidentiality of any request and information communicated to them in confidence by the other Party under this Agreement prior to its termination; and to return, in accordance with the terms of Article XI, any antitrust evidence obtained from the other Party under this Agreement; provided, however, that any such request or information that has become public in the course of public judicial or administrative proceedings is not subject to this requirement.

E. In addition to the procedure set forth in paragraph C of this Article, either Party may terminate this Agreement by means of written notice through diplomatic channels. Termination shall take effect 30 days after the date of receipt of such notification.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being duly authorized by their respective Governments, have signed this Agreement.

DONE at ----------- this --------- day of ------- 1997, in duplicate, in the English language.

1. The Requesting Party may ask that assistance be provided in a manner that maintains the confidentiality of a request and/or its contents. If a request cannot be executed in that manner, the Requested Party shall so inform the Requesting Party, which shall then determine the extent to which it wishes the request to be executed; and
2. Antitrust evidence obtained pursuant to this Agreement shall be kept confidential by both the Requesting Party and the Requested Party, except as provided in paragraph E of this Article and Article VII.
   1. The confidentiality of antitrust evidence obtained under this Agreement is ensured by its national laws and procedures pertaining to the confidential treatment of such evidence, and that such laws and procedures as are set forth in Annex A to this Agreement are sufficient to provide protection that is adequate to maintain securely the confidentiality of antitrust evidence provided under this Agreement; and

       

   2. The Antitrust Authorities designated herein are themselves subject to the confidentiality restrictions imposed by such laws and procedures.