The Times Australia
The Times Australia
.

Labor’s Supermarket Bill too little, too late


Labor has introduced its Supermarket Treasury Laws Amendment (Fairer for Families and Farmers and Other Measures) Bill in the dying hours of the final sitting week of Parliament.

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said Labor’s Bill comes almost two years after the Coalition started calling for action into supermarket price gouging and won’t come into effect until April next year.

“The cost-of-living crisis is now, not next April,” Mr Littleproud said.

“Why wouldn't we do everything we can to bring in penalties now, not in six months’ time, and to put regulatory guide rails and a deterrent around the supermarkets?

“The Coalition called for the Code to be made mandatory with significant penalties in late 2022 and then for a price inquiry into the disparities between farmgate and retail pricing at Australia’s major supermarkets. If Labor had taken our advice when the Coalition began calling for changes, families could have seen action earlier.

“Labor ignored the urgency and then took 100 days to appoint Reviewer Craig Emerson, after a review into the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct was meant to begin. Labor has been far too slow to act and is now catching up to the Coalition.”

While being too late, it’s also too little. Mr Littleproud said Labor’s infringement notice penalties are just $187,700, compared with the Coalition’s, which is $2 million. Labor’s high penalty will only be for some breaches and other penalties will be just over $1 million.

“In contrast, the Coalition’s plan will give the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) powers to undertake audits of supermarkets to ensure the supermarkets are compliant with the Code and create a Supermarket Commissioner, to act as a confidential avenue for farmers and suppliers to address the fear of retribution.

“It will also establish sector-specific divestiture powers – in the hands of the ACCC and the courts, not politicians – as a last resort to address the behaviour of supermarkets and to put an end to instances of price-gouging.”

New study finds the gender earnings gap could be halved if we reined in the long hours often worked by men

There are lots of reasons why people work extra hours. In some jobs, it’s the only way to cover the workload...

Times Magazine

Building an AI-First Culture in Your Company

AI isn't just something to think about anymore - it's becoming part of how we live and work, whether we like it or not. At the office, it definitely helps us move faster. But here's the thing: just using tools like ChatGPT or plugging AI into your wo...

Data Management Isn't Just About Tech—Here’s Why It’s a Human Problem Too

Photo by Kevin Kuby Manuel O. Diaz Jr.We live in a world drowning in data. Every click, swipe, medical scan, and financial transaction generates information, so much that managing it all has become one of the biggest challenges of our digital age. Bu...

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

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...

The Times Features

Flipping vs. Holding: Which Investment Strategy Is Right for You?

Are you wondering whether flipping a property or holding onto it is the better investment strategy? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Both strategies have distinct advantages a...

Why Everyone's Talking About Sea Moss - And Should You Try It Too?

Sea moss - a humble marine plant that’s been used for centuries - is making a major comeback in modern wellness circles. And it’s not just a trend. With growing interest from athle...

A Guide to Smarter Real Estate Accounting: What You Might Be Overlooking

Real estate accounting can be a complex terrain, even for experienced investors and property managers. From tracking rental income to managing property expenses, the financial in...

What Is the Dreamtime? Understanding Aboriginal Creation Stories Through Art

Aboriginal culture is built on the deep and important meaning of Dreamtime, which links beliefs and history with the elements that make life. It’s not just myths; the Dreamtime i...

How Short-Term Lenders Offer Long-Lasting Benefits in Australia

In the world of personal and business finance, short-term lenders are often viewed as temporary fixes—quick solutions for urgent cash needs. However, in Australia, short-term len...

Why School Breaks Are the Perfect Time to Build Real Game Skills

School holidays provide uninterrupted time to focus on individual skill development Players often return sharper and more confident after structured break-time training Holid...