Limit Breaches

A Melbourne-based scrap metal company and its three directors have been fined for failing to manage legal mass limits after an investigation uncovered 69 mass limit breaches over two years.

to potential risks related to productivity, housing affordability, and global economic uncertainty.

Jarden bank analyst Jeff Cai described CBA’s results as solid, noting that net interest margins and debt levels remained strong and exceeded expectations. This positive performance could lead analysts to revise their earnings forecasts for the current year, although Cai cautioned that CBA’s share price might be nearing its peak after this year’s gains.

Barrenjoey analyst Jon Mott expressed concerns about asset quality, noting an increase in troublesome and impaired assets, as well as a rise in delinquent mortgages over 30 days. Despite these challenges, the overall sentiment is that CBA’s earnings continue to be resilient, supported by a robust balance sheet.

Queensland to Appoint Food Farmers Commissioner to Address Rising Supermarket Prices

A new Food Farmers Commissioner will be appointed in Queensland to mediate between farmers and major supermarkets, aiming to tackle the issue of rising supermarket prices. However, there are concerns among farmers that the new role may lack the necessary powers to effectively address the challenges they face.

The establishment of the commissioner is one of eight recommendations from a Queensland parliamentary inquiry into supermarket pricing, which was tabled in state parliament in May. The inquiry is one of several across Australia investigating the rising cost of groceries and the practices of supermarkets in dealing with their suppliers and customers amid widespread concerns of price gouging.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles announced that the government has accepted all eight recommendations and plans to introduce legislation next week to create the commissioner’s role. “This will ensure that we have a key point of contact in the government for our farmers, supporting them, educating them, and helping them negotiate with grocery stores,” Mr. Miles said.

The new commissioner will have mediation powers but will not have the authority to take direct action against major supermarkets. This limitation has raised concerns among farmers who fear that without sufficient authority, the commissioner may not be able to hold supermarkets accountable for unfair practices.

Tom Smith, the committee chair and member for Bundaberg, highlighted the fear among farmers of speaking out against major retailers. He noted that some large retailers pressure farmers to increase production, only to then become dependent on these retailers, making them vulnerable to price gouging.

Carl Walker, a vegetable farmer from Bowen and president of the Bowen Gumlu Growers Association, expressed concerns about potential retribution from supermarkets. He emphasized the need for protections such as anonymity for growers who choose to raise concerns with the commissioner.

“The commissioner needs to have the powers to actually say what’s happening,” Mr. Walker said. “But growers have got to make sure that they’re not going to get dragged down and their name put forward, because then their business will suffer.”

Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers CEO Rachel Chambers welcomed the announcement, particularly the news that the commissioner would be independent. She stressed the importance of protecting the identities of growers who fear retribution from powerful retailers. “If a Queensland commissioner role was totally independent, it actually could address that,” Ms. Chambers said.

In response to the announcement, Coles acknowledged its participation in the inquiry and stated that it is reviewing the recommendations accepted by the Queensland Government. Woolworths also noted the government’s announcement and reiterated its commitment to maintaining strong relationships with suppliers.

An interim commissioner will be appointed for 12 months as the role is established.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) Safety and Compliance Officers intercepted one of the company’s heavy vehicles in April 2021, discovering it was loaded at 120.42% of the prescribed mass limit.

Subsequent investigations revealed 69 mass limit breaches, including 24 severe risk breaches, defined as loads at 120% or more of the mass limit. The company pleaded guilty to a Category 1 offence under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and was fined $180,000.

The three directors also pleaded guilty to failing to exercise due diligence and ensure transport safety, receiving fines of $8,500, $7,000, and $7,000, respectively.

NHVR Acting Director of Prosecutions Elim Chan emphasized the dangers of overloaded heavy vehicles. “Heavy vehicles loaded beyond their prescribed mass limits pose serious public safety risks by compromising stability, steering, performance, and braking capability,” Ms. Chan said.

She stressed the importance of proper systems and training to ensure compliance with the HVNL and protect both drivers and the public.

The NHVR offers online tools and guides to assist with loading requirements. For resources, visit NHVR Loading Guides View the resources here: www. nhvr.gov.au/loadingguides

For more information on NHVR prosecutions, visit NHVR Prosecutions.