The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is inviting dairy farmers to share any concerns they may have about competition and fair trading at a series of public forums around the country.
The forums are part of the ACCC’s public consultation for its Dairy Inquiry, which is examining competition between milk processors, contracts between processors and farmers, global supply markets, and the profitability of dairy farms.
Dairy farmers and others working in the industry are invited to come and share their views on these issues directly with ACCC Commissioners.
“We are interested in hearing from farmers on a range of topics, including options for selling milk in different regions, the transparency of how farm gate milk prices are calculated, and contracting practices in the industry,” ACCC Commissioner Mick Keogh said.
“We are attending major dairy production regions in each state. I look forward to meeting farmers and hearing their views. If there are farmers who cannot attend but want to have their say, I’d encourage them to call or email us.”
A summary of the issues discussed at the forums will be published on the ACCC website, however, individuals’ names will not be used.
The forums will be held at:
- Monday 6 February 2017, 11.30 am – 2 pm – City Golf Club, Toowoomba, Qld
- Tuesday 7 February 2017, 12 – 2 pm – Club West, Taree, NSW
- Tuesday 14 February 2017, 11.30 am – 2 pm – Traralgon Golf Club, Traralgon, Vic
- Monday 27 February 2017, 11.30 am – 2 pm – Warrnambool Golf Club, Warrnambool, Vic
- Tuesday 28 February 2017, 6.30 – 8.30 pm – Shepparton Golf Club, Shepparton, Vic
- Thursday 16 March 2017, 12 – 2 pm – Mercure Sanctuary Golf Resort, Bunbury, WA
- Monday 20 March 2017, 11.30 am – 2 pm – Hahndorf Football Club, Hahndorf, SA
- Wednesday 22 March 2017, 11.30 am – 2 pm – Burnie Golf Club, Burnie, Tas
Contact details, and further information on the forums and the Dairy Inquiry are available on the ACCC website.
Background
On 27 October 2016 the Treasurer, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, issued a notice requiring the ACCC to hold an Inquiry into the competitiveness of prices, trading practices and the supply chain in the Australian dairy industry. The Inquiry commenced on 1 November 2016.
The ACCC’s Inquiry will cover all geographical and major product markets within the Australian dairy industry. Through the inquiry, the ACCC will analyse the industry to identify structural and behavioural issues that affect its performance.
The ACCC must submit its report following the Inquiry to the Treasurer before 1 November 2017.
The purpose of the forums is for the ACCC to consult with farmers, but other interested parties may attend.
Separate to the Inquiry, the ACCC investigations relating to the cuts to the price paid to dairy farmers for milk solids, announced by Murray Goulburn and Fonterra Australia in April and May 2016 are continuing. The ACCC will announce its findings from those investigations in due course.
The ACCC has established an Agriculture Information Network. Subscribers to this information network will receive emails about developments concerning new or updated resources, enforcement action as well as upcoming events, surveys and other opportunities to engage with the ACCC.