"It is good to see there has been an elevation of issues which have been discussed and pursued by The Nationals Queensland for some time in regard to the over centralisation of the retail market." Senator Joyce said.
"Whether this involves groceries or fuel, suggestions by Mr Rudd that we need another inquiry are perplexing because he has the resources of umpteen inquiries and a swathe of competition laws overseas which could immediately be applied in Australia.
"What he should propose, if he has the fortitude, is legislative changes to Section 46 and in particular effective laws against predatory pricing. Predatory pricing involves big businesses selling 'below cost' to send small businesses broke and then rip-off consumers once the competition is gone.
"As well, he should propose legislative changes to s 51 AC unconscionable conduct. This is the ability of big business to use their unreasonable size in the market to exploit the weaker, whether the weaker are selling their vegetables to big business or renting shopping space from big landlords in a shopping mall.
"Quite obviously, because The Nationals Queensland have been pursuing a better deal for small business for so long, we would welcome any initiative that delivers a better deal for the mother filling up her shopping trolley and the prices she pays; a better deal for the farmer who, in many instances, has only two organisations to sell his product to; a better deal for the motorist who has to deal with four major oil companies which control production from the oil well to the bowser nozzle and a better deal for the Australian Citizen with their intrinsic right to go into business, to row their own boat, to have the capacity to buy and sell product at a profit and the ability to control their own destiny.
"An inquiry must not be a substitute for decisive action where that’s needed. So, is the proposed Labor inquiry a political stunt or is Mr Rudd genuinely interested in a stronger and more effective Trade Practices Act? Or is he just trying to sound good and do little and stay on the right side of those who are currently exploiting the market by reason of their size and control?" Senator Joyce said.