Overview
- Final terms of reference were published in the Government Gazette on October 6, setting the scope, process and timelines for a formal market inquiry.
- The inquiry will examine pricing, vertical integration, imports, contract farming, access to key inputs and downstream retail to assess potential distortions across the value chain.
- The four largest producers — Astral, RCL, Country Bird and Sovereign — account for nearly 63% of output, with the commission noting concentration and barriers to independent entry.
- Evidence gathering will include public hearings, information requests and use of summons powers, with stakeholders and the public invited to make submissions.
- Producers have pushed for tariffs and anti-dumping duties to protect local jobs, while the commission warns such measures can raise costs for low-income consumers; Astral has pledged constructive engagement and notes the process is not a misconduct investigation.