The QCA's primary role is to ensure monopoly businesses operating in Queensland, particularly in the provision of key infrastructure, do not abuse their market power through unfair pricing or restrictive access arrangements.
Essential infrastructure that underpins economic activity should be accessible to all potential users.
The QCA regulates third party access to essential infrastructure so as to support competition by enabling competitors (i.e. ‘third parties’) to access infrastructure that cannot be economically duplicated, such as electricity and gas distribution systems, water storage and distribution systems, rail tracks and ports.
As an example, in the Queensland rail sector, they ensure track owned by Aurizon Holdings may also be used by other transport operators.
By opening up access, competition is enhanced in related markets such as electricity and gas retailing and rail transport.