On 8 February 2008 the Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs requested that the ACCC undertake an analysis of fertiliser prices, particularly the reasons for recent increases in prices.
A report outlining the findings of the ACCC in relation to fertilisers prices was provided to the Minister on 31 July 2008.
Report of the ACCC inquiry into the competitiveness of retail prices for standard groceries, July 2008
On 22 January 2008 the Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs requested the ACCC to hold a public inquiry into the competitiveness of retail prices for standard groceries pursuant to Part VIIA of the Trade Practices Act 1974.
Matters taken into consideration by the inquiry included, but were not restricted to:
the current structure of the grocery industry at the supply, wholesale and retail levels, including mergers and acquisitions by the national retailers
the nature of competition at the supply, wholesale and retail levels of the grocery industry
the competitive position of small and independent retailers
the pricing practices of the national grocery retailers and the representation of grocery prices to consumers
factors influencing the pricing of inputs along the supply chain for standard grocery items
any impediments to efficient pricing of inputs along the supply chain
the effectiveness of the Horticulture Code of Conduct and whether the inclusion of other major buyers such as retailers would improve the effectiveness of the code.
The ACCC provided its report to the Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs on 31 July 2008.
ACCC update no. 24, August 2008
This edition of ACCC update looks at the ACCC’s recently established responsibilities in the areas of water trading and at some of the issues the ACCC is being asked to consider as it prepares to advise the Federal Government on improvements that will lead to a more effective trading scheme.
We also take a look at proposed changes to the regulator’s investigation powers and work to clear the air for consumers and businesses in the area of carbon offsetting. Finally, this edition also introduces readers to new ACCC commissioner Sarah Court and provides news about other changes to the face of the commission.
