ACT to review supermarket competition policy
ACT Chief Minister and Minister for Business and Economic Development, Jon Stanhope, has announced the appointment of Mr John Martin as expert advisor to the ACT Government’s review of supermarket competition policy.Mr Martin is former Deputy Commissioner of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and was Deputy Chair of the ACCC’s 2008 Retail Grocery Inquiry.
He will advise the ACT Government on a range of issues that surround the review, in particular the local implications of the ACCC’s 2008 findings and recommendations in relation to the sector.
“The ACT Government has led the way in supermarket competition policy for some time, and we can point to tangible outcomes such as the presence of Aldi. For example, Aldi’s growing presence in the ACT was kick started by two direct land sales supported by (the) Government,” Mr Stanhope said.
“I believe the Canberra community is well served by a diverse fresh food and grocery sector that does strive to provide choice, convenience and value for money to Canberrans,” he added. “However, it is a fast paced industry and we need to have adaptive policy and the best information and advice we can obtain, and that is the reason for the review and the appointment of Mr Martin and the expertise he will bring.”
As part of the review process Mr Martin will conduct direct meetings with key stakeholders in the sector. The ACT Government will support an open consultation program to encourage community input. Details of these processes will be announced shortly.
