Bridget McKenzie (Victoria, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senators Williams, Canavan and O'Sullivan, move:

That the following matter be referred to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee for inquiry and report by 12 August 2015:

The effect of market consolidation on the red meat processing sector, and in undertaking the inquiry, the committee consider:

(a) the potential for misuse of market power through buyer collusion and the resultant impact on producer returns;

(b) the impact of the red-meat processor consolidation on market competition, creation of regional monopolies and returns to farm gate;

(c) the existing selling structures and processes at saleyards, particularly pre and post sale weighing, as well as direct sales and online auctions, and whether they remain relevant;

(d) the regulatory environment covering livestock, livestock agents, buyers and meat processors; and

(e) any related matter.

Question agreed to.