"A voluntary code is a good first step but given the marked concentration of power and lack of competition in the Australian supermarket sector voluntary measures are unlikely to be enough to address misuses of market power by the two supermarket giants.

"As the market share of Coles and Woolworths has grown, they have squeezed the margins of some suppliers and put pressure on many farmers and local manufacturers. Small local shops are struggling to compete and consumers' favourite brands have disappeared from the shelves.

While everyone now recognises the importance of Tasmania's ‘brand' the Greens were the first political party to recognise the importance of Tasmania's clean, green image as our competitive advantage. Well marketed identifiable products, adhering to ethical, health and environmental standards will command price premiums and continue to grow Tasmania's world class reputation.

Small businesses play a vital role in the economy, providing jobs to almost half the workforce and they are part of the community in a way big business can never be. The Greens know the burden and risk that many people take on when they establish a business.

The old parties take the small business sector for granted, while their policies invariably promote the interests of big business and their lobbyists.

The Australian Greens understand the pressure that small businesses are feeling. We also recognise that a healthy small business sector means a strong Australian economy. They play a vital role in the economy, providing jobs to almost half the workforce. Small businesses are also part of the community in a way big business can never be.

The old parties take the small business sector for granted, while their policies invariably promote the interests of big business and their lobbyists.

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.