Chapter 1Committee Report
1.1On 14 August 2024, the Senate referred an inquiry into ‘big box’ retailer price setting to the Economics References Committee (the committee) for report by 29May 2025.
1.2As stated in the terms of reference, this inquiry aimed to investigate the role of Australia's 'big box' retailers and large format retailers in price setting, with particular reference to:
the market behaviours of such retailers, including price negotiation practices, abuse of market power and engagement with suppliers, in particular horticultural producers;
whether big box and large format retailers that sell products that fall under the category of grocery should be included in the grocery code of conduct;
acquisition and use of land; and
any other related matters.
1.3The committee published the details of the inquiry on its website and wrote to relevant individuals and organisations inviting them to make a submission to the inquiry. The committee received 19 submissions, which are listed at Appendix 1 and are available on the committee’s website.
1.4The committee was unable to hold public hearings for this inquiry prior to a Federal Election being called on 28 March 2025. As a result, the committee has not fully considered and tested evidence provided to the inquiry, and is not in a position to make findings or recommendations.
1.5If the Senate, in the next parliament, wishes the committee to continue its examination, the terms of reference could be re-referred for inquiry.
1.6The committee thanks the organisations and individuals that made written submissions to this inquiry for their contributions.
Senator Andrew Bragg
Chair
Liberal Senator for New South Wales