The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has revoked an authorisation* granted to the South Australian Mixed Business Association in 1979 which enabled it to publish and circulate a price guide suggesting retail prices for grocery items to members.
SAMBA has since changed its name to the State Retailers Association of South Australia which has continued to publish the price guide.
"While some members were likely to value the guide and the assistance it provided in setting retail prices, it did not result in a public benefit that would outweigh the
anti-competitive detriments from a reduction in price competition", ACCC Chairman, Mr Graeme Samuel said today.
"Price guidance by trade associations is less likely to raise competition concerns where they involve a 'bottom up' approach and identify various operating costs but which allow members to individually determine margins and set prices".
This was not the case with the SRA's price guide.