House Committee bookmarks online shopfronts

WITH more online shopfronts opening in Australia all the time, the House of Representatives Industry, Innovation, Science and Resources Committee will today begin collecting evidence for its inquiry into the impacts on local Australian businesses from global internet-based competition.

The Committee will hear from representatives from the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science at a public hearing in Canberra.

The Inquiry examines how Australian businesses, particularly in the retail and small business sectors, have responded to growing competition from global online companies and what effect this change has already had and will continue to have. The Committee is still accepting submissions addressing the terms of reference and will hold further hearings early in 2018.

Committee Chair Michelle Landry MP said that the Committee is looking forward to hearing from the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science to start the inquiry.

“As business increasingly moves online, especially in the retail field, it is important that Australia has the right policy settings so that local businesses can continue to compete,” Ms Landry said.

Ms Landry also noted that the inquiry follows on from the Committee’s recent inquiry into the social issues relating to automated vehicles.

“Technology is changing the way we do things, from buying groceries to driving to work. But these changes do not happen in a vacuum, which is why it’s important that the Committee consider some of the consequences and ensures that the parliament and the government can respond to them.”

Public hearing details: 10.45am – 11.30am, Wednesday 6 December, Committee Room 1R1, Parliament House, Canberra

The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live

Interested members of the public may wish to track the committee via the website. 

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