ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope has released the outcomes of the review into supermarket competition policy in the ACT which will help to achieve greater competition and diversity in Canberra's retail grocery sector.

In July 2009 the ACT Government engaged John Martin, former ACCC Commissioner, to conduct a review of its policy framework for competition in the ACT supermarket sector, which included extensive consultation with key industry stakeholders and the community.

The review was prompted by the July 2008 ACCC Inquiry into retail grocery prices that recommended that governments consider ways in which zoning and planning laws could be used to promote new entrants in retail grocery markets.

Mr Stanhope said the ACT is the first jurisdiction in Australia to provide a comprehensive response to the ACCC Inquiry.

13 October, 2009