Calls for power to break up Coles and Woolies split inquiry

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission should get new legal powers to prosecute supermarkets found to be price gouging customers, a Senate committee has recommended, amid a split over calls for break-up rules for Coles and Woolworths.

The inquiry into price setting in the food and grocery sector said on Tuesday that new forced divestment powers should be established for supermarkets found to be abusing market share or engaging in unconscionable conduct.