AUS | In the latest development on the Australian Food & Grocery Code of Conduct, Dr Craig Emerson, a former Federal Minister for Small Business and Minister for Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs, has been appointed by the Albanese government to lead the comprehensive review for 2023 to 2024.
Dr Emerson's extensive background also includes roles such as Minister for Trade, and positions as a former Queensland Government Director-General and Senior Economic Adviser to Prime Minister Bob Hawke.
The major supermarket players, including Aldi, Coles, Woolworths, and Metcash, are bound by and are signatories to the Code, a regulatory framework established under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. The Code's primary objective is to elevate standards of business conduct within the food and grocery sector, ensuring fair dealings between retailers, wholesalers, and suppliers.
In a proactive move, the government has released the review of the dispute resolution provisions (Part 5) of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct and its response to the review. The government fully endorses the recommendations outlined in the review, aiming to empower Code Arbiters in mediating disputes and allowing suppliers to engage with Code Arbiters without the formalities of a complaint. Additionally, the Independent Reviewer's role will be enhanced to oversee the conduct and complaint-handling practices of the Code Arbiters.
These recommendations are slated to be implemented as part of a comprehensive package of reforms following the conclusion of the broader 2023-24 review of the remaining provisions of the Code. The complete Review of the dispute resolution provisions and the government’s response can be accessed on the Treasury website.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasised the government's commitment to addressing the cost of living, ensuring affordability for Australian families, particularly in essential commodities like meat, fruit, and vegetables.
The Prime Minister underscored the expectation that reductions in farm gate prices should translate to lower prices on supermarket shelves. Treasurer Jim Chalmers echoed the sentiment, stressing the government's focus on fairness in the food and grocery sector.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry Murray Watt reinforced the government's stance on urging retailers to adjust prices promptly to reflect the reduced incomes for farmers. Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities, and Treasury Andrew Leigh highlighted Dr Craig Emerson's role in leading this critical economic reform, emphasising the positive impact of competition reforms on households and the broader economy. Leigh stressed the importance of competition in ensuring better prices and choices for Australian families, signalling a commitment to fair practices within the sector.
