On 2 March 2018, the Assistant Minister to the Treasurer, the Hon. Michael Sukkar MP, announced the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct (the Code) review and that Prof. Graeme Samuel AC has been selected as the independent expert to lead the review.
The review is intended to ensure that the Code is working effectively as the first prescribed voluntary code under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. The Code regulates the conduct of those supermarket retailers and wholesalers who have agreed to be bound by the code in their dealings with suppliers.
Upon introduction of the Code in 2014, Government also committed to review the Code three years from its commencement. This requirement is prescribed in the Competition and Consumer (Industry Codes – Food and Grocery) Regulation 2015.
Confidentiality
The Review received feedback from over 30 stakeholders, who provided comment on whether the code has been effective in improving the way the supermarkets (and wholesalers) deal with their suppliers. Initial comments have informed development of a draft report and recommendations to Government.
Stakeholders who gave consent for their submissions to be published are listed below.