Nick Xenophon (SA, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Carr. I note Senator Carr's unambiguous statements to the Australian Food and Grocery Council yesterday relating to complaints brought to him over the conduct of Coles and Woolworths by many local firms. To quote Senator Carr, 'On the basis of the claims put to me, there is a case to be concerned about an abuse of market power.' However, the new Chairman of the ACCC, Rod Sims, is today reported as indicating that the ACCC may not have the powers to deal with the matters raised by Senator Carr, saying that, in relation to the provision on the misuse of market power, 'It is probably the hardest part of our act to enforce.' Does the minister consider the ACCC has sufficient powers to adequately deal with the abuses of market power brought to his attention?