Mr REPACHOLI (Hunter) (13:15):

I thank the member for Capricornia for bringing forward this motion. This is a chance to recognise just how crucial agriculture is for Australia's economy, society and environment. Agriculture isn't just another industry; it's a key part of our success and essential to our way of life. In the 2023-2024 financial year alone, Australia's agriculture sector generated over 2.1 million to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to look into the high electronic payment surcharges which impact Australians in a cashless world. Many Australians face these extra fees on essential purchases and think it's unfair, just like I do. That's why, starting 1 January 2026, following consultations with the Reserve Bank of Australia, we plan to ban debit card surcharges. Our goal is clear: we need to reduce costs for consumers without negatively impacting small business.
In October, the Treasurer introduced the biggest reform of Australia's merger laws in 50 years. This change means that mergers, especially in the supermarket industry, will face strong scrutiny from the ACCC to ensure fair prices. This reform is part of our commitment to competition and transparency so Australians know they aren't being overcharged. We're also tackling shrinkflation, which is when products shrink in size but prices stay the same. Last month we announced changes to the Unit Pricing Code to make sure that consumers can compare prices more accurately. There will be stronger penalties for companies that don't follow the code, and the ACCC will start an awareness campaign to help shoppers find the best deals. Additionally, we're holding big supermarkets accountable for misleading pricing. In September this year, the ACCC took legal action against Coles and Woolies for allegedly deceptive discount pricing.

This step was part of the extra 10 million to $50 million, with turnover based penalties going from 10 per cent to 30 per cent of their annual turnover during the breach. The change ensures that the penalties reflect the seriousness of the offence and act as a strong deterrent.

Australians deserve to know that their government is working hard to protect them from high costs. Through these actions, we're addressing every part of the problem, from how prices are set to how supermarkets operate. We are committed to fair prices, transparency and protecting consumers. This government will keep strengthening these measures, working towards a grocery sector that offers fair value for consumers, fair pay for farmers and accountability for retailers.