Australia to Enforce Record Fines for Supermarket Misconduct

New legislation mandates a strict code of conduct for major grocers, introducing penalties up to 10% of annual turnover to protect suppliers and consumers.

• The Australian government has introduced a mandatory code of conduct for supermarkets, replacing the previously voluntary framework, effective April 2025.
• Violations of the code could result in fines of up to $10 million, three times the benefit gained from misconduct, or 10% of the company's annual turnover.
• The legislation aims to address concerns over supplier mistreatment, stifled competition, and alleged price manipulation by major supermarket chains such as Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, and Metcash.
• The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will gain enforcement powers, including issuing infringement notices for breaches of the code.
• The move comes as the Labor government, facing inflation-related voter dissatisfaction, seeks to ensure fairer practices for farmers, suppliers, and consumers.

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