Competition review welcome says AFGC

The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) has applauded the government's new 'root and branch' review of competition law and the appointment of the review panel members.

The review announced by Minister for Small Business Bruce Billson was one of the most significant reviews in a generation in terms of its potential impact on the food and grocery sector, according to AFGC CEO Gary Dawson.

“The review panel, chaired by Professor Ian Harper, and comprising Peter Anderson, Su McCluskey and Michael O’Bryan SC is an outstanding mix of expertise, skills and industry experience,” said Dawson.

“The food and grocery sector is an extremely competitive, dynamic and critical sector of the economy that delivers the essentials of life to every Australian every day.

“It is also a sector where issues have arisen in relation to market power imbalance, vertical integration and excessive regulation, all of which are within the ambit of the ‘root and branch’ review.

“Competition policy remains a crucial element of the regulatory setting across the supply chain and greatly impacts decisions on investment and employment that shape the direction of food and grocery manufacturing sector,” said Dawson.