Competition watchdog to call for power of mandatory disclosure in investigations

Gina Cass-Gottlieb says the ACCC needs wider powers because some businesses refuse to provide information voluntarily. Photograph: Blake Sharp-Wiggins/The Guardian

The competition watchdog should have its powers increased so it can initiate its own inquiries with mandatory disclosure clout, says Gina Cass-Gottlieb, the head of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

The ACCC can now launch its own investigations, such as a probe into exorbitant foreign exchange transfer fees. However, the agency only has compulsory information collection powers if specifically directed by the government such as for its current probe into supermarket behaviour.