The Times Australia
Small Business News

.

Coalition’s supermarket competition legislation would be ‘tougher than ever’


Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said the Coalition’s supermarket competition legislation would be ‘tougher than ever’ starting with an infringement fine of $2 million for supermarkets who contravene the code and do the wrong thing.

The Nationals have long been calling for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to be given dramatically increased powers, including the ability to penalise individuals and organisations, as well as divestiture powers to break up supermarkets as a last resort amid a cost-of-living crisis.

It comes as Coles has announced a mega profit of $1.1 billion today, with revenue increasing to $43 billion.

“Coles’ profit only reinforces what the Coalition has been advocating for and our frustration that the major supermarkets have been given too much power,” Mr Littleproud said.

“We are not against profit but it shouldn’t be at the expense of families, suppliers and farmers. Small suppliers have been sent out the backdoor and taken for a ride.

“It beggars belief Prime Minister Anthony Albanese continues to ignore pleas to do more to help suppliers and families.

“For the Prime Minister to say we are trying to nationalise supermarkets with divestiture powers is completely false. It is similar to the divestiture powers he voted for in 2019 against the energy sectors.

“You have to ask the question, why the Prime Minister was prepared to stand up to energy company CEOs then, but now doesn’t have the courage to stand up to Woolworths and Coles, when there are some Australian families going without dinner tonight.”




Mr Littleproud said a minimum infringement penalty of $2 million would be the deterrent needed rather than a measly $187,800 proposed under Labor.

“We will increase penalties for breaches of the code and infringement notices, with a minimum flat rate of $2 million, scaling up to either $10 million, or three times the benefit gained or 10 per cent of annual turnover.

“We will also create a Supermarket Commissioner for farmers and suppliers to have their grievances heard and escalate issues with the ACCC or refer matters to a court to introduce sector-specific divestiture powers with safeguards as a last resort, and to manage supermarket behaviour and address supermarket price-gouging.

“This is part of the Coalition’s plan to get Australia’s economy back on track and stand up for small businesses, farmers and consumers by delivering stronger penalties for anti-competitive behaviour in Australia’s supermarket sector.

“This will give protection and transparency from the farm gate to your plate.”

Property Times

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 and risks, and choosing the right one depends on your financial goals, ...

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 intricacies of real estate demand more than just basic bookkeeping. A si...

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 respected private hotelier John Azar, the Good Beer Company has a proven t...

Top Tips for Finding the Ideal Block to Build Your Home

There’s something deeply personal and exciting about building your own home. You’re not just choosing paint colours or furniture, you’re creating a space that reflects your lifestyle, your dreams, and your future. However, before you start sketchin...

Food & Dining

West HQ is bringing in a season of culinary celebration this July

Western Sydney’s leading entertainment and lifestyle precinct is bringing the fire this July and not just in the kitchen. From $29 lobster feasts and award-winning Asian banquets to Sydney’s first-ever Acquapole fitness classes and family fun gal...

Onsite Caterer vs a Full Service Venue: 9 important things to explore

Choosing between an external catering company and an all-inclusive venue is a major decision that affects cost, flexibility, food quality, and the overall event experience. Venues with in-house catering offer convenience and streamlined coordinatio...

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 uncovered by leading dietitians Anna Debenham and Alex Parker from The Biti...

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 this June.  The doors of the new venue will open on 18 June and to cel...

Business Times

Ricoh Launches IM C401F A4 Colour MFP to Boost Speed and Security…

Ricoh, a leading provider of smart workplace technology, today launched the RICOH IM C401F, an enterprise-grade A4 colour d...

Laundrlab Expands with a New Flagship Store, Redefining Sustainab…

DESIGNED TO CALM. BUILT TO LAST. POWERED BY PURPOSE. THE FUTURE OF LAUNDRY STARTS IN POTTS POINT Sydney, N...

Navigating Leadership Mistakes with Confidence

I am always surprised by this question: How do leaders get over embarrassing mistakes and still succeed? The use of the w...

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...