Senate debates

Tuesday, 3 February 2026

Documents

Grocery Prices; Order for the Production of Documents

4:58 pm

Photo of Fatima PaymanFatima Payman (WA, Australia's Voice) Share this | | Hansard source

I move:

That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Treasurer, by no later than 5 pm on Thursday, 26 February 2026, copies of all ministerial submissions, records of conversation, letters, briefing notes, meeting agendas, file notes, meeting invitations, meeting notes, meeting minutes, emails and instant/electronic messages created on or after 30 March 2025 between the Treasurer and/or his office, the Department of the Treasury and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission in relation to:

(a) the development of the amendments made by the Competition and Consumer (Industry Codes—Food and Grocery) Amendment (Supermarkets Excessive Pricing Prohibition) Regulations 2025 to the Competition and Consumer (Industry Codes—Food and Grocery) Regulations 2024; and

(b) the Government's proposal to legislate a ban on supermarket price gouging.

Photo of Anthony ChisholmAnthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Regional Development) Share this | | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Photo of Sue LinesSue Lines (President) Share this | | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Photo of Anthony ChisholmAnthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Regional Development) Share this | | Hansard source

This order is written with substantial scope and includes 'ministerial submissions, records of conversation, letters, briefing notes, meeting agendas, file notes, meeting invitations, meeting notes, meeting minutes, emails and instant/electronic messages'. We urge the senator to reconsider her motion, particularly when it comes to the scope and time allowed to comply. The senator should also seriously consider the significant amount of time these fishing expeditions are taking away from the important work of public servants.

Photo of Sue LinesSue Lines (President) Share this | | Hansard source

The question is that general business notice of motion No. 317 standing in the name of Senator Payman be agreed to.