Interim Report
6 December 2010
Senator the Hon John Hogg
President of the Senate
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Dear Mr President
Pursuant to Senate Standing Order 38(7), I present to you an interim report of the Economics References Committee in relation to the Committee’s inquiry into the ACCC’s decision to oppose the proposed acquisition of the Franklins supermarket business by Metcash Trading Limited.
The reference was referred to the committee on 23 November 2010 for report by 17 December 2010. The committee was directed to examine the basis of this decision, the competition impacts of the decision at the retail and wholesale levels, whether the Franklins' distribution warehouses could be regarded as an independently sustainable wholesale business, and any other related matter. The committee called for submissions by 29 November 2010. To date, it has received five submissions.
The ACCC is currently seeking a Federal Court injunction to prevent Metcash proceeding with the acquisition of Franklins supermarkets. The committee believes that until these proceedings are concluded, it will be difficult to enquire properly into the ACCC's decision. Accordingly, the committee intends to present its final report by 28 February 2011.
Senator David Bushby
Chair
For further information, contact:
Committee Secretary
Senate Standing Committees on Economics
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Australia