The Nationals as part of the Coalition Government has fought hard
to back small business by delivering major changes to misuse of market power
provisions in the Competition and Consumer Act (CCA).
Nationals Senator for Victoria, Bridget McKenzie said today that
the Coalition Government reforms to the CCA were a big win for the thousands of
farmers and small and family enterprises across regional Australia.
“The Nationals have fought long and hard to secure these
protections for small business against big business and multi-nationals
companies.
“Small business and farming enterprises are the engine room of our
nation, employing 4.7 million people and contributing $340 billion to the
economy, including to regional economies right across Australia.
“These reforms will address a long standing weakness in the
existing competition rules and will ensure that we have a more transparent and
competitive marketplace that treat all supply chain participants fairly,”
Senator McKenzie said.
“Importantly, and for the first time in Australia, the Australian
Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will have meaningful provisions to
protect businesses that have been subject to misuse of market power.
“For too long small business has had been subject to big business
coming in over the top and using trading practices that put them out of
business.
“One of the core tenants of a society like ours is that owning and
running a business, steering your own ship, is possible and profitable.
“That operating a business is within fair rules rather than having
a system that favours big business. That you can grow, compete and support your
family and workforce,” Senator McKenzie said.
She said that the government consulted widely with stakeholders on
the design of these reforms and was confident that they would deliver fairness
to businesses and a genuinely competitive marketplace for consumers.