Andrew Leigh 2022

NADIA MITSOPOULOS:

MICHELLE GRATTAN:

The Albanese government and the Australian public are at present highly focused on the immediate cost‑of‑living crisis, the implications of it and the ways to deal with it. But the longer‑term economic story is all about the fundamental reforms that are needed. And one of these is finding ways to make the Australian economy more competitive.

I acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and all First Nations people present today.

The Government is today releasing an issues paper on non‑compete and related restraint clauses that seeks feedback from workers, businesses and the broader community on the use and impact of these clauses across the economy.

Consumers and investors have long understood that what they buy, and the investment decisions they make, have the power to influence social, economic, and environmental challenges. As far back as the 1700s, John Wesley advised his congregants against "any sinful trade".

SALLY SARA:

The Greens and Coalition are working separately on powers that could forcibly break up the major supermarkets, although the government isn’t backing that idea just yet. Andrew Leigh is the Assistant Minister for Competition and Treasury, and joins me now, Andrew Leigh welcome back to the program.

ANDREW LEIGH:

I acknowledge the Ngunnawal people, the traditional owners of these lands, and pay respects to all First Nations people present.

I’m pleased to join you today, in the tenth year of the annual Australian Government Data Summit. Robust, rigorous data and statistics are vital for delivering outcomes for all Australians.

Yesterday the Parliament passed the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Fair Go for Consumers and Small Business) Bill 2024. This reform, which forms part of the Albanese Government’s Better Competition election commitment, establishes a designated complaints function within the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) from July 2024.

I acknowledge the Ngunnawal people, the traditional owners of these lands, and pay respects to all First Nations people present.

Thank you Claerwen for the warm introduction and to Aunty Violet Sheridan for your Welcome to Country. I also acknowledge the many researchers and policy advocates here and the work you all do to create a fairer Australia.

LEON DELANEY:

And the federal government has announced a new taskforce to crack down on unfair pricing practices in relation to the National Disability Insurance Scheme. The Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities, Treasury, Employment and Federal Member for our local Seat of Fenner, Dr Andrew Leigh, good morning.