Coles fined USD8m for misconduct
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Australian supermarket giant Coles has been ordered to pay AUD10 million (USD8.1m) in penalties for “serious, deliberate and repeated” misconduct towards suppliers that were in some cases in financial trouble.
The Federal Court ruled in favour of a settlement between the retailer and the consumer watchdog, agreed by the parties last week.
Justice Michelle Gordon said the behaviour by Coles was orchestrated and relentless and involved threatening harm to suppliers by unlawfully withholding funds or demanding payments.
Questions & Answers
Q.What was the specific nature of Coles' misconduct towards its suppliers?
What was the specific nature of Coles' misconduct towards its suppliers?
Coles engaged in "serious, deliberate and repeated" misconduct. This involved unlawfully withholding funds from suppliers or demanding payments, often threatening harm to them, particularly when some suppliers were already facing financial difficulties.
Q.What is the total penalty Coles has been ordered to pay?
What is the total penalty Coles has been ordered to pay?
Coles has been ordered to pay AUD10 million in penalties. This amount is equivalent to USD8.1 million, as stated in the article concerning the misconduct towards its suppliers.
Q.Who ruled on the settlement between Coles and the consumer watchdog?
Who ruled on the settlement between Coles and the consumer watchdog?
The Federal Court ruled in favour of the settlement between Coles and the consumer watchdog. Justice Michelle Gordon presided over the case and described Coles' behaviour as orchestrated and relentless.
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