Project overview

Industry

Type

Status

On 26 August 2020, the Treasurer, the Hon. Josh Frydenberg MP, directed the ACCC to commence a three-month inquiry into bargaining power imbalances in supply chains for perishable agricultural products in Australia.

On 3 September 2020, the ACCC invited submissions in response to the terms of reference.

The inquiry examined trading practices throughout supply chains, including the relationships between farmers, processors, and retailers, and the extent to which any potential bargaining power imbalances in these relationships adversely impacted the efficient operation of these markets. The inquiry also examined the ability of current laws and regulations to address the harmful effects of bargaining power imbalances.

On 10 December 2020, the ACCC’s report on this inquiry was publicly released.

Timeline