The Senate Select Committee on Supermarket Prices has announced an initial set of dates to hear stories about bad behavior by supermarkets.
The first round of hearings will be in Hobart this Thursday, March 7, then Orange on March 12, and Melbourne at Tullamarine on March 13. Further dates may be announced at the discretion of the Committee.
Jolyon Burnett, Chair of the NFF Horticulture Council, said it was critically important as many fresh produce growers and wholesalers as possible to supply the supermarkets, either directly or indirectly, share their stories. "Individual anecdotes are powerful without doubt. Even better is a number of people describing the same practice or behavior, which will allow this inquiry to establish a pattern and paint a complete picture," said Mr. Burnett. "It is only with a clear picture that we'll get from this inquiry the right sort of recommendations that will make a difference to the lives and profitability of our industry for years to come.
"Growers are already coming forward, supplying industry representatives with compelling evidence of behavior we think is unfair, unethical, and often abusive. But we need more as there's strength in numbers."
In addition to the hearings announced, the Committee, where requested, will also make arrangements for individual growers to give evidence confidentially from their home or office by secure video link straight into Parliament House.
"We are aware the main reason stopping growers coming forward is the real fear of being identified and suffering commercial retribution that could ruin their business and livelihoods," said Mr Burnett.
"So, we've received assurances from the Committee that records of confidential conversations will only ever be shared with members of the Committee at their request, for a limited period of time and on paper that'll subsequently be destroyed.
"It's now or never. This Senate inquiry, together with the current review of the Food and Grocery Code and ACCC inquiry into supermarkets, plus public interest in the welfare of farmers and a government seemingly willing to take action, represents a genuinely once-in-a-generation opportunity to make sensible reforms that will rebalance the relationship between supermarkets and their suppliers."
Growers and suppliers interested in better understanding how to appear physically at hearings or arrange confidential virtual conversations with the Committee are encouraged to speak with Richard Shannon, Executive Officer to the NFF Horticulture Council, at 0448 860 630.
For more information:
Senate Select Committee on Supermarket Prices
Tel.: +61 02 6277 3585
Email: supermarketprices.sen@aph.gov.au