Airports, Petrol Prices, Supermarkets and ACCC Performance

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has been focusing on promoting competition and addressing anti-competitive conduct in various sectors. The ACCC has been monitoring petrol prices in 190 locations, providing recommendations to consumers on using fuel price apps. The Chair, Gina Cass-Gottlieb, emphasized the need for changes to the airport slot management system to address concerns about lack of independence and potential conflicts of interest. The conversation also shifted to supermarkets, with Allegra Spender MP inquiring about land banking policies as a barrier to competition. The ACCC Chair highlighted the importance of addressing anti-competitive conduct, such as property acquisitions that impede new entrants. The agreement between state, territory, and Commonwealth treasurers to refresh the national competition policy is crucial for opening up opportunities for supermarket and commercial development. Furthermore, the ACCC's performance reporting and indicators are essential in protecting competition for small and large businesses. The Chair is committed to improving timeliness and responsiveness, acknowledging the importance of proportionate and effective engagement. The ACCC has established a performance consultative committee to assess its performance and gather feedback from various stakeholders. Additionally, the ACCC is considering a broader ESG definition in its guidance on business collaboration to achieve net zero targets and greater sustainability. The Commission is also committed to providing draft guidance and seeking feedback from stakeholders to ensure its guidance is effective and relevant. The discussion highlights the need for the ACCC to consider the specific challenges faced by regional communities, such as Melton, where fuel prices can significantly impact the local economy and residents' livelihoods.