Coles Takes ACCC to Court Over Kalgoorlie Supermarket Dispute 2026

Coles has taken the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to court in a bid to open a second supermarket and liquor store in Kalgoorlie, a major mining hub in Western Australia. The supermarket giant is appealing a decision by the ACCC that blocked the new store, arguing it would reduce competition and harm consumers. This legal battle highlights the ongoing tension between retail expansion and regulatory oversight in Australia.

Background of the Coles-ACCC Dispute

The ACCC determined that allowing another Coles store in Kalgoorlie would likely push out a smaller rival, reduce consumer choice, and leave shoppers worse off. Currently, Kalgoorlie has six supermarkets: two IGAs, a FoodWorks, Woolworths, Coles, and Spudshed. The area previously had seven supermarkets, including two Coles stores for much of the past decade. The ACCC’s decision aims to preserve market diversity.

Coles, however, argues that the new store would increase competition and provide more options for residents. The first case management hearing is set for tomorrow in the federal court in Melbourne, and a concurrent directions hearing will address Coles’ separate appeal to the Australian Competition Tribunal.

Key Implications for the Australian Retail Market

This case could set a precedent for how the ACCC handles supermarket expansion in regional areas. Supermarket competition is a hot-button issue in Australia, with major chains like Coles and Woolworths dominating the market. Small independent retailers often struggle to survive when a big chain opens nearby.

Below is a comparison of the current supermarket landscape in Kalgoorlie:

If Coles wins its appeal, it could open a second store, potentially undercutting smaller players. That could lead to lower prices in the short term but less variety over time.

Takeaways from the Legal Battle

• Coles is appealing an ACCC decision that blocked a second supermarket in Kalgoorlie.
• The ACCC believes the new store would harm competition and reduce consumer choice.
• The case involves both the federal court and the Australian Competition Tribunal.
• Outcome may influence future supermarket expansion rules in regional Australia.
• Shoppers and local businesses are watching closely for the court’s ruling.

Other Top Stories from Today

In other news, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized Pauline Hanson for making negative comments about the country while attending conservative events with billionaire Gina Rinehart. Independent Schools Australia launched a campaign to increase government funding for private schools, targeting key Labor and teal seats. Meanwhile, Lee Hanson, daughter of Pauline Hanson, said her mother’s comments about the White Australia policy were misinterpreted. Barnaby Joyce also denied that One Nation supports the White Australia policy.

But the main business story remains the Coles-ACCC court case, which could reshape competition policy in Australia’s supermarket sector.

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Stay tuned to GrandGoldman.com for updates on this developing story and more Australian business news.