In true soviet style, there is also a law that allows inspectors to stop and search vehicles for rock lobsters. When I was living in WA a few years ago they would put up a roadblock, complete with the police (to stop any stroppy drivers) and hold up traffic for hours. The land of the free? Posted by sarnian , Thursday, 5 April 2012 8:51:47 AM Interesting article, David. But let's be careful of the Orwellian, Stalinist and communist comparisons. It doesn't help your argument; it just makes you seem a little extreme in your expression. There are advantages and disadvantages in highly regulated regimes. It would seem that the WA potato regulations are not clearly disadvantageous in the bigger picture. They discriminate against new growers but help protect established growers, which is something that many primary producers who are subject to fluctuating prices would love to have. As you say, &lt;&lt; ...growers are in no hurry to see the system changed. &gt;&gt; You mention a difference in Price of spuds in Perth and Sydney, but you don't know if there is a difference! This is really quite strange. I would have though it an essential factor to get a handle on, so that you can say whether or not consumers are actually disadvantaged or not. As for regulation; well, if the orderly marketing system is going to be meaningful, then it needs to be tightly regulated, doesn't it? Otherwise it'll fall in a heap and become a free-for-all, or