The Council of Small Business Australia (COSBOA) is backing the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Chairman Rod Sims today, after his announcement that the competition watchdog would be taking further legal action against Coles, amid allegations of engaging in ‘unconscionable conduct’ against suppliers.
Peter Strong, Chief Executive of COSBOA, said he was very happy with the ACCC for their continued pursuit of a fair and just marketplace, not just for businesses, but consumers too.
‘This can only have a positive impact on the productivity of the nation. Coles and Woolworths have been allowed to dominate and thwart any autonomy, innovation, free thought, fairness and new business ideas for too long.’
Coles and Woolworths have been allowed to dominate and thwart any autonomy, innovation, free thought, fairness and new business ideas for too long.
Coles is accused of forcing suppliers to pay for the cost of wastage and theft, fining for late deliveries and deducting fees without explaining the reason, plus much more. The latest proceedings come just five months after the ACCC accused Coles of forcing about 200 smaller suppliers to pay extra rebates.
‘We hope and expect that the final recommendations from the Harper review, together with support from the ACCC and action from the Federal Treasurer, will help us stop this kind of behaviour once and for all!’ Mr Strong said.
‘No doubt the highly paid and experienced lobbying army of Coles and Woolworths will now be mobilised in a campaign to maintain their dictatorship. COSBOA will actively support the ACCC’s current pursuit and continue to fight for equal rights and opportunities for small business people everywhere,’ Mr Strong concluded.
