Andrew Leigh

CHRIS BOWEN MP

SHADOW TREASURER

MEMBER FOR MCMAHON

ANDREW LEIGH MP

SHADOW ASSISTANT TREASURER

SHADOW MINISTER FOR COMPETITION AND PRODUCTIVITY

SHADOW MINISTER FOR CHARITIES AND NOT-FOR-PROFITS

SHADOW MINISTER FOR TRADE IN SERVICES

MEMBER FOR FENNER

UMM, MALCOLM...SCOTT’S STARTED IMPROVISING POLICY AGAIN

The Treasurer’s latest idea is a last-minute amendment to the Competition and Consumer Act that he will reportedly move today in the House of Representatives.

In the words of Monty Python’s Life of Brian: “He’s making it up as he goes along!”

As reported, the amendment to section 46 goes further than even the Harper Review’s recommendation and has been announced with zero consultation.

And it’s not like the Turnbull Government hasn’t had some time to get its act together and consult.

It has been 723 days since the Harper Review ordered by Tony Abbott was released.

It has been 372 days since the Turnbull government bothered to respond to the misuse of market power recommendations.

The government's “effects test”, which will chill competition and discourage the opening of new stores, has been sitting in the House of Representatives since last year. And he wonders why they call him “Slo-Mo”.

The Treasurer hasn’t paid enough attention to competition policy, so now – desperate for a win ­– he is announcing policy changes off the top of his head.

But these amendments – made on the run and without consultation – actually make bad legislation worse.

THURSDAY, 23 MARCH 2017

MEDIA CONTACTS:          JAMES CULLEN (BOWEN) 0409 719 879

 TAIMUS WERNER-GIBBINGS (LEIGH) 0437 320 393