South Australia’s peak automotive industry body, the MTA, has labelled the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) as a ‘toothless tiger’ after delivering an inconclusive outcome to an investigation launched over two years ago.
The investigation, into anti-competitive activities in South Australia’s petrol sector, has had no specific resolution despite being handled by the country’s supposed peak competition and fair trade watch dog.
Furthermore, the MTA recently received a letter from the ACCC, stating that the investigation was now being closed as there was “insufficient evidence” surrounding the case.
MTA CEO John Chapman says that the ACCC’s ‘insufficient evidence’ claim is ridiculous.
“Firstly, the evidence the MTA provided has not been tested, so to say it’s insufficient is absurd,” says Chapman.
“Secondly, we complied with the ACCC’s initial request for further information, which would logically say that the evidence we did provide was sufficient.
“Thirdly, and what is most insulting, is that in the full explanation on why there was insufficient evidence, the ACCC in essence blamed the independent retailer for not providing them with all the ‘data’,” he says.
“Independent fuel retailers are not investigators, they are not the government’s watchdog paid for by our taxes to administer the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, which includes unfair market practices.
“What will it take for the ACCC to take action against the duopoly present in the retail fuel market? Do more independent fuel retailers have to close their doors? Do more hard working South Australian small business owners have to suffer stress and anguish to the point where they can no longer tolerate the pressure that the big two petrol retailers consistently put them under?” says Chapman.
“It is time that the ‘toothless tiger’ of the ACCC finds its teeth. It is time that they investigate claims made by industry. It is time they use their powers and shake up the marketplace for the benefit of all consumers. We need a strong independent retail fuel sector in South Australia so consumers benefit with low prices.
“If the ACCC can’t find their teeth, they will forever be remembered as the Government authority who, by their own inaction, condoned the creation of a duopoly and ultimately it will be all South Australians who will face pain at the bowsers.”
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