Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Xenophon for his question. It is true that I have made statements in regard to the support for Australian grocery manufacturers. I have, in the time that I have had responsibility for food manufacturing, been in receipt of a steady stream of complaints and allegations of misuse of market power and unconscionable behaviour by our major supermarket chains. As a consequence of that, I have taken these complaints—given that they are from reputable firms, reputable organisations—up with the ACCC. I take particular comfort from the fact that the ACCC has indicated that they want to have a good look at these matters.

I am not judge and jury in these cases, Senator Xenophon, but I have said that we will be defending the interests of grocery manufacturers and the interests of manufacturing workers. These are clearly very significant questions. In regard to the position of Coles, I recall that in Senate estimates in October, ACCC Chief Executive, Brian Cassidy, said that supermarkets have been told to keep records of all products involved in the 'price down' campaigns that are currently being undertaken. The ACCC Chairman, Mr Sims, has indicated that he takes the view that the law has evolved in recent years in providing the ACCC with a clearer view of what is intended by section 46 and the misuse of market power to gain advantage. He has indicated that he takes the view that this is a matter that does need to be looked at to the full extent, using the full powers available to the ACCC. I am not going to prejudge what he— (Time expired)