“The retention of the Birdsville Amendment is a move strongly supported by NARGA, South West Sydney Retailers and The Warringah Group to name but a few of small business organisations that have for years been calling for a fairer playing field for those in small business.
“The Birdsville Amendment allows access to the court to fight for justice against predatory pricing which the Market Power Test (which Labor wants to restore) would take Small business “backwards” to.
“Labor wants to take the keys of justice and lock the door to the court for small business by making them have to prove the impossible of market power before they are allowed in the door of the court.
“Everybody acknowledges there hasn’t been a successful prosecution of a predatory pricing case using the market power test, which Labor wants to restore, since 2003. Yet Labor has the gall to say that this part of their legislation is there to help small business.
“It has been also interesting to know that those who have been working fervently behind the scenes in lobbying Labor have been far less willing to come out in the open and state their case and show their true colours in who they represent.
“The Birdsville Amendment is a clear statement that we believe in this nation’s right that its citizens can gain entry to and be members of the merchant class; the buyers and sellers of product at a profit. Australians must have access to become masters of their own ship in their own business and not be forced out by an unconscionable selfish practice which ultimately compromises the price the consumer is offered and the right of the Australian aspiration to chart their own course by the own free will and hard work in their own business.
“The Birdsville Amendment, I hope is part of a suite of issues which helps reinvigorate the dynamism and breadth of our economy to give it better strength and a better price to consumers with a greater choice of venue to purchase their product from.
“I commend my Coalition colleagues for maintaining the policy, tabled by the former Treasurer Peter Costello, in the last session of the Coalition Government.
Ends