Answers given at Senate estimates by the new Chairman of the Australia Competition and Consumer Commission indicate it may be finally listening to concerns about market domination by the major supermarket chains.

Under questioning by The Nationals Senator for New South Wales John Williams, Chairman Rod Sims admitted he is unsure how much power the consumer watchdog has, but if it needs more, it will ask for it.

Senator Williams said this is the first time he has heard ACCC flag it is prepared to go the extra step.

Senator Williams had raised the supermarket milk price wars which he said would be borne by dairy farmers while the major supermarkets raise their prices to compensate, and asked what the ACCC was doing to stop it.

Mr. Sims said the big two were being closely watched and welcomed any complaints and evidence that people may have.

“It is heartening to hear Mr. Sims query whether ACCC has enough power and it should be tested. For too long I believe the ACCC has not been seen to be doing its job and takes the easy way out.

If it needs more power to control the supermarket domination it should get it. Australia’s small business sector might then get a fair go”, Senator Williams said.