On 18 March 2015, the Senate moved that the following matters be referred to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee for inquiry and report by 12 August 2015.

The effect of market consolidation on the red meat processing sector.

Submissions should be received by 30 June 2015. The reporting date is 12 August 2015. On 14 May 2015, the Senate granted an extension of time for reporting until 17 March 2016. On 22 February 2015, the Senate granted an extension of time for reporting until 5 May 2016. On 4 May 2016, the Senate granted an extension of time for reporting until 20 December 2016. On 9 May 2016, the inquiry lapsed with the dissolution of the Senate and House of Representatives for a general election on 2 July 2016. On 15 September 2016 the Senate agreed to re-refer the inquiry with a reporting date of 30 March 2017. On 23 March 2017, the Senate granted an extension of time for reporting until ​15 June 2017​. On 15 June 2017, the Senate granted an extension of time for reporting until 17 August 2017. On 10 August 2017, the Senate granted an extension of time for reporting until ​29 November 2017.

Submissions and additional information received are available on the inquiry webpage.