The Times Australia
The Times Australia

.

Government moves to tighten planning rules to stop land banking and boost supermarket competition

  • Written by Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra



The Albanese government, in a fresh strike against the supermarkets, has announced it will work with the states to reform regulations to help boost competition by opening more sites for new stores.

The government also is providing about $30 million to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to assist it to undertake more investigations and enforcement in the supermarket and retail sectors.

This follows the ACCC’s launch of legal action against Coles and Woolworths for alleged dodgy discounting practices.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers said in a statement present planning and zoning restrictions, including on land use, “are acting as a barrier to competition by inhibiting business entry expansion”.

“They potentially allow land banking, preventing competition and pushing up prices in our local communities.”

The government said it was “taking decisive action to help consumers get fairer prices” from supermarkets.

“Misconduct in the supermarket and retail sector is unfair, unacceptable and makes cost-of-living pressures worse for Australians.”

The government stressed its latest measures followed a series of actions it has taken. Last week it released its mandatory food and grocery code for consultation. It has also banned unfair contract terms and increased penalties for breaches of competition and consumer law, and is reforming the merger provisions.

The interim report of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s year-long supermarkets inquiry released on Friday[1] identified land use restrictions, zoning laws and planning regulations as challenges for aspiring operators attempting to compete with the major chains.

The Commission said it had also received submissions relating to “land banking” which it defined as a supermarket purchasing land without an intention to develop it (or to develop it in a timely manner) in order to stop competitors establishing supermarkets on it.

Information provided to the Commission suggested Woolworths had interests in 110 sites intended for future supermarket use and Coles had interests in 42.

The Commission had not yet formed conclusions about whether land banking was occurring.

It said Coles and Woolworths had also acquired entire shopping centres, including those where competitors operated.

References

  1. ^ released on Friday (www.accc.gov.au)

Read more https://theconversation.com/government-moves-to-tighten-planning-rules-to-stop-land-banking-and-boost-supermarket-competition-240121

Jim Chalmers wants to get on with economic reform and tax is in his sights

Jim Chalmers cast his Wednesday National Press Club speech as a second instalment in a two-part presentation...

Times Magazine

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Science Behind Reverse Osmosis and Why It Matters

What is reverse osmosis? Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that removes contaminants by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane. This membrane allows only water molecules to pass through while blocking impurities such as...

Foodbank Queensland celebrates local hero for National Volunteer Week

Stephen Carey is a bit bananas.   He splits his time between his insurance broker business, caring for his young family, and volunteering for Foodbank Queensland one day a week. He’s even run the Bridge to Brisbane in a banana suit to raise mon...

Senior of the Year Nominations Open

The Allan Labor Government is encouraging all Victorians to recognise the valuable contributions of older members of our community by nominating them for the 2025 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.  Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt today annou...

The Times Features

Meal Prep as Self-Care? The One Small Habit That Could Improve Your Mood, Focus & Confidence

What if the secret to feeling calmer, more focused, and emotionally resilient wasn’t found in a supplement or self-help book — but in your fridge? That’s the surprising link uncov...

From a Girlfriend’s Moisturiser to a Men’s Skincare Movement: How Two Mates Built Two Dudes

In a men’s skincare market that often feels like a choice between hyper-masculinity and poorly disguised women’s products, Two Dudes stands out. It’s not trying to be macho. It’s n...

The Great Fleecing: Time for Aussies to demand more from their banks

By Anhar Khanbhai, Chief Anti-Fleecing Officer, Wise   As Australians escape the winter chill for Europe’s summer or Southeast Asia’s sun, many don’t realise they’re walking strai...

Agentforce for Financial Services: Merging AI and Human Expertise for Tailored BFSI Solutions

In this rapidly evolving world of financial services, deploying customer experiences that are personalized and intelligent is crucial. Agentforce for Financial Services by Sale...

Cult Favourite, TokyoTaco, Opens Beachfront at Mooloolaba this June

FREE Tokyo Tacos to Celebrate!  Cult favourite Japanese-Mexican restaurant TokyoTaco is opening a beachfront venue at the Mooloolaba Esplanade on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast t...

Samsara Eco and lululemon announce 10 year partnership

lululemon and Samsara Eco Announce 10-Year Plan to Advance Recycled Material Portfolio Plan will see lululemon source a significant portion of its future nylon 6,6 and polyes...