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

I have noted the remarks of the ACCC chairman in regard to these issues and he has publicly stated that is he is aware of the allegations that are being made about the abuses of market power and unconscionable conduct. He said that he would look into these matters very carefully. He has also indicated that he wants to encourage businesses who believe they have been victims of a breach of the Competition and Consumer Act to contact the commission directly and that there are extensive powers available to the commission to undertake its investigation, including its own information-gathering powers. We will wait and see what the ACCC say about the nature of its powers. We look forward to their report back on these issues. They have indicated in the past more than a willingness—in fact, in a statement made on ABC radio on 20 October, the ACCC chairman said that he was of the view that 'if we needed more power, we would be politely saying so'.