Introduction of Department Witnesses and Continuation of Hearing

The hearing commenced with the introduction of new witnesses from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry. The chair, Senator Matthew Canavan, reminded senators of the rules regarding the questioning of departmental officers, specifically that they should not be asked to give opinions on matters of policy and should be given reasonable opportunity to refer questions to a superior officer or minister. The witnesses then introduced themselves, stating their names and capacities in which they appeared. Following the introductions, the chair invited the witnesses to make an opening statement, with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry being given the opportunity to commence.