You might recall the “old” National Competition Policy and Principles. That’s the highy theoretical, economist-driven, philosophical document that resulted in removal of the Meat Poultry growers’ Countervailing power legislation in all states, resulting in grower not even having a full ability to use delegates to negotiate thier comtacts for them. Even the ACCC law changes in 2023 (changes to the Australian Consumer Law) did not provide growers with any significant countervailing power, although Class Exemptions that allow growers to compare contracts and prices have been a bit useful. 
Well, The government’s at it again. Now they want to overhaul the National Competition Policy and Principles – so they went out to consultation for a selected few. ACGC was notified of this review 1 working day before close of submissions – so it was “all hands to the wheel”. The overarching theme is that competition policy ONLY works when there is strong regulatory backup (like a mandatory Code, for example) – otherwise competition descends into thuggery and coercion. We suggest every member review the ACGC response – you’d bet the processors are!
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE NATIONAL COMPETITION POLICY PRINCIPLES REVIEW CONSULTATION PAPER
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ACGC RESPONSE.
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