Background Information

The Consumer Strategy Group was established by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment in March 2004 to advise and make recommendations for the development of a national consumer policy. The Group reported to the Minister in March 2005. The Report dealt with the issue of the Groceries Order and the issue of below cost selling and recommended that the Order be revoked in its entirety.

The Government at its meeting on 3 May 2005 considered the Consumer Strategy Group Report (PDF)(6.2MB)and, in regard to the Groceries Order, agreed with the proposal of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment to engage in a public consultation process before making any decision in regard to the future of the Order.

The public consultation was announced on 19 May 2005 and submissions were invited from interested parties before 5pm on 31 July 2005.

The submissions received can be accessed below.