On 18 March 2015, the Senate moved that the following matters be referred to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee for inquiry and report by 12 August 2015.

The effect of market consolidation on the red meat processing sector, and in undertaking the inquiry, the committee consider:

1. the potential for misuse of market power through buyer collusion and the resultant impact on producer returns;
2. the impact of the red-meat processor consolidation on market competition, creation of regional monopolies and returns to farm gate;
3. the existing selling structures and processes at saleyards, particularly pre- and post-sale weighing, as well as direct sales and online auctions, and whether they remain relevant;
4. the regulatory environment covering livestock, livestock agents, buyers and meat processors; and
5. any related matter.