Australian Greens spokesperson on competition policy, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, welcomed the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announcement yesterday that it would oppose the proposed acquisition by Woolworths Limited (Woolworths) of a supermarket site at Glenmore Ridge in the suburb of Glenmore Park, New South Wales.  It was the first time the ACCC has made such a ruling on a proposed site, rather than an existing supermarket.

The Australian Greens today have called on Labor and the Coalition to support changes to food labelling laws in the wake of concerns Simplot could close facilities in both Tasmania and NSW due to falling profits.

"We know consumers want to support Australian farmers and producers but the current food labelling rules are just too confusing," said Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, spokesperson for trade and competition policy.

"A vital step the old parties can take to support our producers and food industry is to back a Greens Bill to change food labelling laws.

Today, Mark Brennan, the Australian Small Business Commissioner, backed the Australian Greens call for a Tasmanian Small Business Commissioner to support the needs of small business in the State.  The Australian Greens spokesperson for small business, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, welcomed Mr. Brennan's statement, made at the Australian Government's Small Business Forum in Launceston this afternoon, that a Tasmanian Small Business Commissioner was a terrific concept and all states without such a commissioner should consider one.

 The Australian Greens have expressed concern at the revelation SPC Ardmona plans to slash the amount of locally sourced fruit for this season.

 Greens competition spokesperson Senator Peter Whish-Wilson stated, “These events add to the anxiety amongst farmers that our current trade and competition policy is failing them.

 “It’s clear many of our fruit growers are facing a crisis and need assistance. It’s heart breaking to hear some have resorted to pulling out their orchards.

 The Australian Greens have committed to continue scrutinising the government’s handling of contracts surrounding the construction of ASIO’s new headquarters, following news another unpaid contractor has entered voluntary administration.

 The Party’s small business spokesperson Senator Peter Whish-Wilson stated he will actively pursue the issue through Senate Estimates in a few weeks and if answers aren’t forthcoming will move for a Senate Inquiry.

The Australian Greens have challenged Liberal Party small business spokesperson Bruce Billson MP to commit to real action on addressing concerns around competition policy instead of instigating yet another review.

Greens small business spokesperson Senator Peter Whish-Wilson stated there had been myriad reviews into the issue, especially around the grocery and supermarket sector.

“Previous reviews have already put forward recommendations for reform, such as providing for the ACCC to have divestment powers.

The Australian Greens along with Senator Xenophon have issued a dissenting report into whether to legislate the role of the new Commonwealth Small Business Commissioner following a Senate inquiry into the Greens Small Business Commissioner Bill 2013.

Australian Greens spokesperson for small business, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson stated small business is an important part of the Australian economy making a substantial contribution through employing almost 5 million people.

The Australian Greens have raised concerns Labor’s ad hoc approach to the small business ministry is undermining effective representation of this most important sector in the Australian economy.

Small business spokesperson Senator Peter Whish-Wilson stated it was a significant concern that the new minister, Gary Gray AO, MP has little time to become familiar with the issues facing the sector before the election.

The ongoing dispute between ASIO and a number of small building firms to the tune of $6m is further evidence of the need for a Federal Small Business Commissioner with real authority.

Australian Greens Small Business spokesperson Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said the dispute focussing on ASIO’s new Canberra offices was a prime example of the institutional imbalance many small businesses faced when dealing with government departments.