Improving transparency and fairness in supermarket pricing

Researchers from the Deakin Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition and the Centre of Research Excellence in Food Retail Environments for Health, Next Generation submitted a response to the Australian Government’s consultation on making supermarket price gouging illegal.

The Australian Government asked for feedback on proposed laws to stop major supermarkets from charging unfairly high prices for groceries. The new laws would give the ACCC powers to investigate and take action if supermarkets were found to be charging excessive prices. The proposal was developed in response to concerns about rising food costs and limited competition in the supermarket sector, with the goal of helping consumers get a fairer deal at the checkout. The consultation ran from 20 October to 3 November 2025.

What was the submission about?

The submission focused on improving transparency and accountability in supermarket pricing and strengthening proposed laws designed to prevent excessive food price increases. It highlighted the need for better monitoring of food prices and clearer definitions of what constitutes price gouging.

Key points

1. Food prices have risen significantly in recent years. Rising costs are affecting Australian households, particularly for essential food products.
2. The causes of food price increases are not always clear. More transparency is needed to understand whether price rises are driven by legitimate costs or excessive pricing practices.
3. Better data is needed. Independent monitoring of food prices would help governments identify unjustified price increases and improve public accountability.
4. Clear rules are essential. Any legislation must include a measurable definition of excessive pricing to be effective and enforceable.
5. Suppliers should be treated fairly. Greater transparency is needed in supermarket dealings with food producers to prevent unfair pricing practices throughout the supply chain.
6. Public reporting builds trust. Regular reporting on compliance and penalties would help demonstrate that the legislation is working as intended.

What we recommended

• Invest in independent, government-led monitoring of food prices.
• Track the reasons behind food price increases across the supply chain.
• Establish clear and measurable definitions of excessive pricing.
• Improve transparency and fairness in supermarket dealings with suppliers.
• Require regular public reporting on compliance and enforcement outcomes.
• Strengthen oversight to ensure consumers benefit from a fair and competitive food retail sector.

In summary

Deakin researchers support efforts to improve transparency and accountability within Australia’s supermarket sector. The submission argues that better data, clearer definitions and stronger public reporting will help ensure consumers receive fair prices while supporting a more transparent and sustainable food system.

Download full submission

Outcomes

The Australian Government’s consultation process concluded with the successful passage of historic legislation that officially banned supermarket price gouging on July 1, 2026.

The public consultation phase, initially launched by the Treasury in late 2025, invited feedback on a draft law package targeting excessive pricing. This feedback shaped the finalised laws that now actively protect consumers at the checkout.