Supermarket Inquiry announced
The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has announced that the ACCC will be directed to conduct a year-long probe into the supermarket industries, apparently focusing on concerns about price gouging in relation to fruit, vegetables and meat.
The ACCC has set up an inquiry home page. See also my review page for key details.
The ACCC press release states:
The ACCC welcomes today’s announcement by the Australian Government that it will direct the ACCC to conduct an inquiry into Australia’s supermarket sector, including the pricing practices of the supermarkets and the relationship between wholesale, including farmgate, and retail prices.
The year-long inquiry will also examine competition in the supermarket sector and how it has changed since the ACCC’s last inquiry in 2008.
“We know grocery prices have become a major concern for the millions of Australians experiencing cost of living pressures,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said.
“When it comes to fresh produce, we understand that many farmers are concerned about weak correlation between the price they receive for their produce and the price consumers pay at the checkout.”
“We will use our full range of legal powers to conduct a detailed examination of the supermarket sector, and where we identify problems or opportunities for improvement, we will carefully consider what recommendations we can make to Government,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.
Following the ACCC’s 2008 inquiry, Coles and Woolworths provided enforceable undertakings to the ACCC to remove restrictive tenancy provisions that may have prevented shopping centres from leasing space to competing supermarkets. The ACCC’s investigation identified more than 700 potentially restrictive leases.
“Competitive markets encourage more attractive combinations of price and quality for consumers, as well as greater choice,” ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh said.
“Our inquiry will examine the nature of the current competitive environment between supermarkets, as well as the barriers to greater competition and new entry in the sector.”
“We believe we are well placed to conduct this broad-ranging inquiry and will bring to bear our expertise in competition, consumer law, agriculture and the supermarket sector in particular,” Mr Keogh said.
The inquiry will also look at any emerging issues related to more recent trends, including online shopping, changes in technology, and loyalty programs.
The ACCC expects to publish an issues paper in February seeking views on the key issues it will consider in this inquiry. An interim report will be provided to the Australian Government later this year, and the final report is due to be provided early next year.
The ACCC will publish the formal direction from the Australian Government, including the terms of reference, when it receives it.
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