Dairy farmers are disappointed with the report, released last month, with Australian Dairy Farmers president Chris Griffin saying the committee "recommended four reviews, one study and one consultation process".

Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food Security John Cobb says in the report Labor claims the 'more frenzied competition' between the two major supermarkets on private label milk appears to show improved competition and a clear benefit for consumers.

"Yet only the day before, Labor Senator Carr had referred information to the ACCC about the abuse of market power by supermarkets in relation to home brands.

"While these contradictory statements show Labor hasn't got a clue, what is clear is that impacts on agricultural industries such as dairy don't even come into to consideration when Labor looks at these issues."

Cobb says Ludwig's choice to side with Coles during the price war battle, even before consulting with the dairy industry, was a clear demonstration of this.

"It is obvious that we need to review the Competition and Consumer Act to ensure small businesses including farmers are protected against the anti‑competitive behaviour of big corporates.

"The ACCC needs ongoing powers to monitor the prices, costs and profits relating to the supply chain of major foodstuffs to ensure the facts are available and a lack of evidence cannot be used as an excuse.

Cobb says Labor's disinterest in the issue means there is no chance the Minister will use his powers to give written direction under section 95ZF (1) (a) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 to monitor the supply chain.

"My preference is that a Commissioner or Ombudsman be installed within the ACCC and given ongoing powers, under the Act, to monitor the supply chain of major foodstuffs."

"There is clear evidence that the $1 per litre milk is impacting on the viability of farms in NSW, Queensland and Western Australia."