Mark Dreyfus (Isaacs, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

In the debate on this bill, we have heard members opposite persisting in the defence of the 2007 amendments with absurd statements like that of the member for Fadden, who told the House that there had not been enough time for the amendment to operate and, ‘It needs time to work its way out’—whatever that was meant to mean. The member for Riverina also sought to defend the 2007 amendments. The member for Dickson has moved an amendment calling for recognition of:

... the impact on small business of the Government’s proposed changes to the ‘Birdsville Amendment’ ...

To that, I would say that the only impact will be a good one and that is what should be recognised as the force of these amendments. Those opposite have chosen not to engage at all with the cogent criticism that has been expressed by so many business groups, by commentators, by lawyers and by the ACCC of the amendments passed last year. Not only do those opposite fail to meet the criticisms of their muddled and ineffective reform from 2007, but they fail to acknowledge the manner in which the reforms contained in this bill have been welcomed by Australian business, welcomed in particular by small business groups, welcomed by commentators and welcomed by the ACCC.

I notice the time, so I might quote simply from the Daily Telegraphnot a noted supporter of the government. In April this year, it stated:

The Federal Government’s reforms to the Trade Practices Act might seem basic enough, but they’re long overdue.

The proposed changes will be music to the ears of small businesses that now stand a chance against much larger and more powerful companies.

Currently it’s too easy for big firms to undercut smaller enterprises and drive them out of business. The government’s reforms will make it easier to investigate and prosecute businesses engaging in anti-competitive behaviour.

Strengthening the consumer watchdog, the ACCC, will also provide more protection for consumers, who are disadvantaged by a monopoly in any market.

With those words from the Daily Telegraph, I commend the bill to the House.

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