Former BlueScope executive Jason Ellis pleads guilty to obstructing ACCC cartel probe

Son of former BHP chairman pleads guilty to a charge of obstructing ACCC probe into alleged cartel conduct by steelmaker BlueScope.

The ACCC alleges BlueScope tried to improperly protect its position in the Australian steel market. Picture: Supplied.

Former BlueScope executive Jason Ellis has pleaded guilty to a charge of obstructing an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission investigation into alleged cartel conduct by the Australian steel producer.

Mr Ellis, son of former BHP chairman Jerry Ellis, entered a guilty plea to one charge of “inciting the obstruction of Commonwealth public officials in the performance of their functions” in a Sydney court.

The ACCC had alleged that Mr Ellis, a former BlueScope sales manager, had incited two fellow BlueScope employees to give false information to the regulator about discussions held with Australian steel importers as the competition watchdog investigated alleged cartel conduct.

The ACCC launched civil action against Mr Ellis and BlueScope over the alleged cartel behaviour in September 2019, accusing the Australian steel major of threatening overseas steelmakers with anti-dumping complaints if they did not lift steel prices into Australia, as part of a scheme to rig Australian steel prices in 2013 to protect the company’s dominant position in the local market.

That case is still ongoing, but ACCC chairman Rod Sims said the obstruction case against Mr Ellis was the first time charges had been laid against an individual for trying to frustrate an investigation by the competition watchdog.

The ACCC’s case against BlueScope returns to court on September 23.

Mr Ellis will face a sentencing hearing over the obstruction charge in Sydney on December 8.