Latest news with #CompetitionandConsumerAct
The Age
26-05-2025
- Politics
- The Age
Machete attack re-ignites political debate after government rejected ban two months ago
The sale of machetes will be banned in Victoria with immediate effect as the Allan government seeks to stop the political fallout from an armed brawl between youth gangs at a shopping centre in Melbourne's north. Although a full ban will not come into force until September 1, when long knives will be classified as a prohibited weapon under Victorian law, Premier Jacinta Allan announced it will become a criminal offence for retailers to sell them from 12pm Wednesday. The decision follows a telephone hook-up between the premier and her senior ministers on Sunday after rival youth gangs armed with machetes rampaged through the Northland Shopping Centre in front of frightened shoppers. Two months ago, the government rejected the idea of using consumer law to stop retail giant Anaconda and smaller, online sellers from stocking machetes, which are broadly defined as an edged weapon with a blade longer than 20 centimetres. Under the Competition and Consumer Act, state ministers can unilaterally ban for up to 90 days goods which can cause injury. Any bans beyond that, including permanent ones, require federal government intervention. Two sources familiar with the Victorian government's considerations, but unable to discuss them publicly, said a retail ban was talked about in March shortly before the government announced its planned machete prohibition, changes to bail laws and other 'tough on crime' measures. The proposal was shelved amid government concerns a temporary ban would lapse before the prohibition came into effect and potentially, leave it reliant on a freshly elected Dutton government for a political fix. Allan, speaking on Monday, condemned the Northland brawl and defended her decision not to use existing consumer laws earlier to ban the sale of machetes.
Sydney Morning Herald
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
Machete attack re-ignites political debate after government rejected ban two months ago
The sale of machetes will be banned in Victoria with immediate effect as the Allan government seeks to stop the political fallout from an armed brawl between youth gangs at a shopping centre in Melbourne's north. Although a full ban will not come into force until September 1, when long knives will be classified as a prohibited weapon under Victorian law, Premier Jacinta Allan announced it will become a criminal offence for retailers to sell them from 12pm Wednesday. The decision follows a telephone hook-up between the premier and her senior ministers on Sunday after rival youth gangs armed with machetes rampaged through the Northland Shopping Centre in front of frightened shoppers. Two months ago, the government rejected the idea of using consumer law to stop retail giant Anaconda and smaller, online sellers from stocking machetes, which are broadly defined as an edged weapon with a blade longer than 20 centimetres. Under the Competition and Consumer Act, state ministers can unilaterally ban for up to 90 days goods which can cause injury. Any bans beyond that, including permanent ones, require federal government intervention. Two sources familiar with the Victorian government's considerations, but unable to discuss them publicly, said a retail ban was talked about in March shortly before the government announced its planned machete prohibition, changes to bail laws and other 'tough on crime' measures. The proposal was shelved amid government concerns a temporary ban would lapse before the prohibition came into effect and potentially, leave it reliant on a freshly elected Dutton government for a political fix. Allan, speaking on Monday, condemned the Northland brawl and defended her decision not to use existing consumer laws earlier to ban the sale of machetes.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Australia enforces mandatory food and grocery code for supermarkets
Australia's major supermarkets and grocery wholesalers are subject to a compulsory Food and Grocery Code of Conduct from 1 April 2025. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has declared the enforcement of the revised code. Enacted under the Competition and Consumer Act, the code applies to retailers and wholesalers with revenues exceeding A$5bn ($3.13bn) from their supermarket or grocery wholesaling operations in the preceding fiscal year. The code automatically extends protection to suppliers dealing with these entities. It outlines the procedures for how supermarkets and wholesalers should engage in negotiations and establish contracts with their suppliers. It mandates the creation of written supply agreements, adherence to lawful conduct and the obligation to treat suppliers with good faith. It also safeguards suppliers from any form of retaliation when they choose to assert their rights under the code. The ACCC has been granted new powers to enforce compliance with the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct. It can issue infringement notices and initiate legal proceedings against businesses that violate the code. In cases of severe violations, penalties can escalate to $10m per incident or three times the benefit obtained from the contravention, or if such a value is indeterminable, up to 10% of the company's annual turnover from the previous year. These enhanced penalties serve as a significant deterrent to ensure adherence to the code's regulations. The ACCC has set up an online portal enabling anonymous reporting of suspected infractions of the code, and highlights that retail pricing strategies, merger reforms and addressing competition challenges will be at the forefront of its agenda for the fiscal year 2025/26. In September 2024, the ACCC published an interim report highlighting a significant decline in consumer trust towards the nation's leading supermarket chains, Coles and Woolworths. In March 2024, the commission completed its investigation into the supermarket sector and released 20 recommendations aimed at improving competition within the market. "Australia enforces mandatory food and grocery code for supermarkets" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
