ACCC pushes Canberra to ban unfair tactics big retailers use on small suppliers
Australia's competition watchdog asks the government to ban unfair trading practices, considering overseas models like Europe's 10-practice blacklist.
The ACCC told Treasury to create rules protecting small businesses from unfair treatment by large retailers. The EU lists 10 strictly banned practices: late payments, sudden contract cancellations and commercial retaliation.
George Mingin's Kookaburra Worm Farms supplied Bunnings for 10 years without a price rise. When his costs rose after COVID, Bunnings tendered the contract and asked him to cut prices instead.
He lost the contract. It was 75 per cent of his business.
The Small Business Ombudsman says small firms face power imbalances. They face late payments and extra payment hurdles.
The ACCC submission calls for broad protections. It considers overseas models.
- Kookaburra Worm Farms
- Business affected
- 10 years without price increase
- Supply duration
- 75 per cent
- Business loss
- 10-practice blacklist
- EU prohibited practices
Why it mattersSmall business owners struggle against larger customers who delay payments or threaten contract termination. New rules would give them real legal protection.
AustraliaThousands of Australian small suppliers face pressure from major retailers on price and payment terms. Tougher laws could protect jobs and prevent businesses collapsing like parts of Kookaburra did.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 d ago
