The Times Australia
The Times Australia

.

Labor let supermarkets off the hook 12 months ago

  • Written by The Times


It can be revealed that the Albanese Labor Government was offered support to bring forward its Grocery Code of Conduct Review 12 months earlier but was rejected, because Labor could not see the urgency in taking action.

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said he wrote to Assistant Minister for Competition Andrew Leigh in December 2022, encouraging and offering The Nationals’ support to bring forward the Grocery Code of Conduct Review by one year.

It was rejected by the Assistant Minister, who instead opted for the scheduled review in October 2023, which was then further delayed 100 days by the Albanese Labor Government.

“It was obvious the cost-of-living crisis families have been feeling for the last 18 months was not the priority of the Albanese government, which was instead focused on their failed $450 million Referendum and had missed the opportunity to make sure there was fair, transparent pricing from the farmgate to Australian plates,” Mr Littleproud said.

“In July 2022 I provided the Assistant Minister for Competition with an offer for support on legislative reforms of the Code of Conduct that the Reviewer Dr Craig Emerson has now been charged to undertake.”

Mr Littleproud said The Nationals made it clear to the government back then that the Code should be made mandatory, penalties should be increased, starting at $10 million, and scaling to divestiture powers if they failed to adjust pricing, to reflect substantial changes in cost of production, dishonesty, or not in good faith distorted or manipulated grocery prices.

“The Albanese government was also given a warning in May 2023 when former ACCC Chair Rod Sims said that the supermarkets had likely used their market power to increase prices higher than necessary during a cost-of-living crisis and that the government could implement an ACCC-led inquiry that has information gathering powers.”

Mr Littleproud said the Albanese Government failed to use the ACCC in May and then again in November when The Nationals called for one into meat and fresh produce pricing, but is now finally considering one.

“I’m not sure if the government has only just realised but they’ve had the tools and the support to put downward pressure on grocery bills for well over 12 months but haven’t understood the scale or gravity of the pressure families are facing.”



AI is driving down the price of knowledge – universities have to rethink what they offer

For a long time, universities worked off a simple idea: knowledge was scarce. You paid for tuition, showed up ...

Times Magazine

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...

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 Times Features

Tricia Paoluccio designer to the stars

The Case for Nuturing Creativity in the Classroom, and in our Lives I am an actress and an artist who has had the privilege of sharing my work across many countries, touring my ...

Duke of Dural to Get Rooftop Bar as New Owners Invest in Venue Upgrade

The Duke of Dural, in Sydney’s north-west, is set for a major uplift under new ownership, following its acquisition by hospitality group Good Beer Company this week. Led by resp...

Prefab’s Second Life: Why Australia’s Backyard Boom Needs a Circular Makeover

The humble granny flat is being reimagined not just as a fix for housing shortages, but as a cornerstone of circular, factory-built architecture. But are our systems ready to s...

Melbourne’s Burglary Boom: Break-Ins Surge Nearly 25%

Victorian homeowners are being warned to act now, as rising break-ins and falling arrest rates paint a worrying picture for suburban safety. Melbourne residents are facing an ...

Exploring the Curriculum at a Modern Junior School in Melbourne

Key Highlights The curriculum at junior schools emphasises whole-person development, catering to children’s physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. It ensures early year...

Distressed by all the bad news? Here’s how to stay informed but still look after yourself

If you’re feeling like the news is particularly bad at the moment, you’re not alone. But many of us can’t look away – and don’t want to. Engaging with news can help us make ...