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

My question is to Senator Sinodinos, representing the Minister for Small Business. Since July 2012 the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has been conducting an investigation into fuel discount shopper dockets used overwhelmingly by Coles and Woolworths. In July this year ACCC chairman Rod Sims said:

The ACCC believes this activity is likely to have a negative effect on competition in the petrol industry. Over time, higher petrol prices could be the result.

Can the minister advise when the inquiry is likely to be completed and whether the inquiry is also looking into the effects on the independent grocery sector and grocery prices as well as the fuel sector? Can the government indicate what extra resources have been or will be provided to the ACCC to expedite the completion of this important inquiry?