The Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has released a draft report on the issue of competitive neutrality as it considers plans for a proposed new crematorium in Gungahlin.
In a statement, the ICRC said the draft report was the second milestone in its consultation process relating to Canberra Cemeteries Authority’s proposal for the new facility.
“To inform the draft report, the Commission has undertaken targeted consultation with Canberra Cemeteries, private operators in the industry, funeral directors, the Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate, other Government agencies, relevant cemetery and crematorium authorities in other jurisdictions, and industry bodies,” ICRC said.
It said the draft report included guidance to help Canberra Cemeteries develop its pricing proposal and demonstrate compliance with pricing principles.
“Competitive neutrality would result in Canberra Cemeteries not having any net competitive advantages over a competing private crematorium operator simply because it was publicly owned,” the ICRC said.
It encouraged stakeholders and other interested parties to submit feedback and information in response to the draft report by 16 April.
“Submissions to the draft report will assist the Commission in developing its final advice to the ACT Government,” ICRC said.
The Commission’s 79-page report Public Crematorium Services: Competitive Neutrality can be accessed at this PS News link.
