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The original was posted on /r/australia by /u/Spatial_Nomad on 2025-06-09 20:09:43+00:00.
Hi all,
I moved to Australia a few years ago, and while I love many aspects of this country...its natural beauty, safety, and lifestyle..one thing that continues to surprise me is just how little real market competition exists across major sectors. Coming from a more open and competitive economy, I’ve found Australia’s market structure surprisingly limited and often controlled by a small handful of players.
Here are a few things that really stand out:
- Supermarkets: Coles and Woolworths run the show
Yes, we technically have Aldi and IGA, but let’s be honest...Coles and Woolies dominate the landscape. They control around 65–70% of the grocery market. This duopoly not only sets prices but also has enormous control over suppliers and what ends up on our shelves. Price gouging, shrinkflation, and stale "specials" have become the norm. The recent Senate inquiry confirmed what most of us already suspected.
- Banks: The Big Four and little room to move
Try switching banks and you’ll quickly find you’re just moving from one branch of the same tree to another. The Big Four (CBA, NAB, ANZ, Westpac) dominate mortgages, savings, and most financial services. Smaller banks and credit unions exist but often rely on the Big Four for backend services anyway. True disruption? Minimal.
- Telcos: Three networks, all the same?
We’ve got Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone (TPG)...and nearly every other provider just piggybacks on their infrastructure. In rural areas, Telstra is often the only viable choice. Prices are high compared to international standards, and service quality doesn’t always match up.
- Petrol: “Independent” servos still mirror the majors
Despite being supposedly independent, fuel prices across stations seem to magically rise and fall in sync...often right before public holidays. Coincidence?
- Real estate platforms: Where’s the choice?
If you’re buying or selling property, it’s realestate.com.au or… well, that’s pretty much it. Owned by REA Group (majority owned by News Corp), the platform has an outsized influence on property marketing. And agents pay steep fees, which get passed on to consumers.
Why does this matter?
Because limited competition means higher costs, less innovation, and fewer choices for everyday Australians. We shouldn’t have to accept “this is just how it is.” The ACCC does good work...but it feels like a watchdog with its paws tied.
I’d love to hear what others think. Have you felt this too? Are there other sectors where you’ve noticed this soft monopoly effect?
Let’s talk.