The Liberals’ Competition Review is failing small businesses

The Greens spokesperson for competition policy, consumer affairs and small business, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson provides the following comments on the news that the Government’s Competition Review will not be recommending an “effects test” to prevent large businesses using their market power to damage their competitors.

Senator Whish-Wilson said, “The Greens recognise the pressures placed on small business from larger businesses such as the supermarket duopoly.

“The Greens took a very clear competition policy to the election which included amendments to the Competition and Consumer Act to insert an effects test.

“Small businesses and farmers will be disappointed by the reports that Professor Harper’s Competition Review is not going to provide a provisional recommendation on an effects test when the draft report is released next week.

“This is further proof that Small Business Minister Bruce Billson has no authority over his government’s agenda. He has previously stated he wants an effects test put in place, but was going to wait until the Competition Policy Review hands down its recommendations.

“If next week, Professor Harper shies away from recommendations about the effects test, the Minister must outline his intentions. He can no longer hide behind the review.

“We will continue to work with any Party or independent who wants to see an effects test put in place,” Senator Whish-Wilson concluded.
Greens spokesperson for competition policy, consumer affairs and small business, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson