Greens spokesperson for Competition Policy, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, says if the Government is willing to bring on legislation for a real “Effects Test” to rein in the powers of the supermarket duopoly then the Greens are willing to look at it.

Senator Whish-Wilson said, “The Greens had the strongest competition policies of all the parties at the last Federal election including an effects test. (Link here)

Australian Greens spokesperson for competition and small business, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, announced the Greens' plan to tackle big supermarket dominance ahead of today's public symposium on Supermarket Power in Australia sponsored by Monash University and the Melbourne University Law School.

"Our plan tackles the supermarket duopoly nationally, ensures fair competition for farmers and small business, and reforms competition policy so it serves the interests of the Tasmanian community, not just big business," Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said.

The Australian Greens have welcomed the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) concerns about the Big Two supermarkets’ moves to cut out competition in the fuel market.

 “The real cost of the supermarkets big reward schemes will hit independent retailers, creating a fuel duopoly which will hurt South Australian consumers in the long-run,” Australian Greens Consumer Affairs spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young said.

Australian Greens Leader Christine Milne today announced an $85 million plan to help farmers bypass the big two supermarkets and sell direct to consumers.

"People care about where their food comes from and that local farmers get paid a reasonable price for it," Senator Milne said.

"Farmers don't have many options for selling their produce outside the low prices offered by the big supermarket chains.

The Greens' $85 million plan to help farmers bypass the Big Two supermarkets and sell directly to consumers will make it easier to get healthy food, help our farmers get a fair price, and create local jobs.

Read our plan to bring farmers and consumers together.