Pic source: ACCC
BY Warwick Long
Australia's consumer watchdog has confirmed it's still investigating a boycott by major meat processors of a cattle sale in north-east Victoria earlier this year.
Up to nine processors boycotted the first prime sale at the new Wodonga saleyards in February, protesting that cattle were weighed before instead of after sale.
Marcus Bezzi, from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, says the case is ongoing and is being taken seriously.
“We're going through a process of conducting compulsory examinations, we are also doing various other things which I'd rather not describe in too much detail given that it's an ongoing investigation,” Mr Bezzi said.
“These are serious allegations. These may end up with a criminal penalty of up to 10 years in prison.”
The ACCC has confirmed at least ten interviews have been undertaken as part of the investigation.
To listen: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-11-20/accc-investigates-saleyard-boycott/6956958
