Joint media release: Review to get a better deal for families and farmers

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator the Hon Murray Watt
Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, the Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP

Australians will have the opportunity to have their say on how the supermarket sector is impacting the rising cost-of-living, with consultations opening as part of an independent review of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct (the Code).

The consultation process, which opened today with the release of the Consultation Paper, will help to inform the review of the Code and is an opportunity for the public to provide valuable information as the Australian Government moves to address cost of living pressures.

The independent review, headed by the Hon Dr Craig Emerson, is examining whether the Code is effective and how it could better serve Australian families and farmers.

Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, Dr Andrew Leigh said Australia’s grocery sector is more concentrated than in other countries.

“This review, led by one of Australia’s top policy economists, Dr Emerson, will look at whether the Code is ensuring that both suppliers and consumers are getting a fair deal,” Assistant Minister Leigh said.

“For the review to be most effective, we need to hear from suppliers and stakeholders who are affected by the Code; tell us how you think it is working and what could be changed.

“A competitive sector benefits the suppliers who get a fair price for their work and ultimately consumers who see the effects through lower prices.”

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said the review was critical to ensuring that all participants in the sector are treated fairly and ultimately that Australian families pay fair prices at the checkout.

“The Code was put in place to address the imbalance of market power between supermarkets and their suppliers, including family farms,” Minister Watt said.

“This review of the Code marks an important step towards understanding how our supermarket sector is working to deliver fair prices for everyday Australians, and for our hard-working farmers.

“Many farmers have talked to me about how hard they find it to deal with the supermarket chains and the lack of transparency that exists in those negotiations.

“Make sure your voices are heard and make a submission today.”

To have your say or become involved in the public consultation process, visit the Treasury website.