Supermarkets, alcohol, tech, and care services next on the House Economics Committee’s agenda

THE House Standing Committee on Economics will next focus its attention on competition and dynamism in the supermarket, alcohol, and technology sectors, as well as in care services, as part of its inquiry into economic dynamism, competition and business formation.

Peter Harris, former chair of the Productivity Commission, will also discuss competition in the domestic airline industry. The committee’s next set of public hearings will be held via videoconference on July 25 and 26.

Committee Chair, Daniel Mulino, said the committee looked forward to hearing from Coles, Woolworths, Metcash, the Australian Food and Grocery Council, and the National Farmers Federation.

“The grocery retail sector is fundamental to the everyday lives of Australians," Dr Mulino said. "There are also high levels of market concentration in the sector, so it’s vital that we better understand the effects such concentration have on competition, particularly around price, for consumers.

“The supermarket sector also has a strong hold on the packaged alcohol market, which again has implications for consumers around price and on smaller players in the sector.

“So we will be probing this area as well,” Dr Mulino said, “especially with the local craft beer industry gaining in popularity. Australia’s independent brewers are renowned for their innovation so the committee is eager to ensure diversity in the beer industry and that our home-grown companies can continue to thrive."

The committee will hear from Coopers and the Independent Brewers Association.

Peter Harris, former chair of the Productivity Commission and author of the recent review into the Sydney Airport Demand Management Scheme, will also appear.

“Peter will shed light on competition in Australia’s commercial aviation market and on the outlook for business dynamism," Dr Mulino said.

Epic Games and Free TV Australia will also appear at this week’s hearings to give their perspective on the impact of Big Tech companies on their business models and on competition in the online gaming and broadcasting sectors.

Other companies appearing before the committee will be online platforms Mable and HireUp, which work in the disability and aged care sectors. Victorian Government Procurement will also appear, following on from appearances before the committee of social enterprises.

“This will allow the committee to complete its assessments on competition and productivity in the care sector, which is often under-appreciated as a driver of employment and innovative service delivery within the broader economy,” Dr Mulino said.

More details about the inquiry, including the full terms of reference, are available on the committee’s website.

Public hearing details

Date: Tuesday 25 July
Time: 9am to 2.45pm AEST
Location: Videoconference

Date: Wednesday 26 July
Time: 10am  to 4pm AEST
Location: Videoconference

The public hearing will be broadcast live at https://www.aph.gov.au/live.

 

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