Opposition Proposes Legislation to Tackle Grocery Oligopoly

Littleproud’s Bill aims to boost consumer protections and divestiture powers, while Taylor proposes amendments to the Competition and Consumer Act.

Woolworths and Coles Supermarket signage in Melbourne, Australia, on Feb. 21, 2024. AAP Image/Joel Carrett

In an effort to tackle market concentration and anti-competitive practices in Australia’s grocery sector, National’s Leader David Littleproud and Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor announced new legislative initiatives in Parliament on Nov. 4.

Littleproud, who is also the shadow agriculture minister, has proposed a new Bill to enhance consumer protections and divestiture powers, while Taylor has suggested amendments to the Competition and Consumer Act focusing on divestiture orders as a remedy for breaches.