Treasury Releases Draft Code to Regulate Supermarket Giants

Regulations propose key changes, including a mandatory Food and Grocery Code, improved dispute resolution, and penalties for breaches.

Woolworths and Coles supermarket signage in Melbourne, Australia on March 13, 2024. Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images

The Australian government has invited stakeholder feedback on its draft regulations that promise to improve competitiveness in the supermarket sector.

The Competition and Consumer (Industry Codes—Food and Grocery) Regulations 2024 propose several key changes, including making the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct mandatory, enhancing dispute resolution processes, addressing supplier concerns, and introducing significant penalties for breaches, according to a statement issued by Treasury on Sept. 23.