If, in the past year, you have sold the supplier's goods at below cost, the supplier can stop supplying you with any further goods. Price fixing agreements for goods or services are illegal. Some trade associations issue lists of recommended resale prices to their members. However, if all or nearly all of members of a trade put their heads together and agree to charge the trade association's recommended prices, then that is illegal. Each member would then work out individually from the cost-sheet his resale price.
Many small businesses form themselves into groups and engage in joint buying and joint advertising.
These activities are, on the surface, lawful. As mentioned above, in exceptional cases, the ACCC can authorise recommended retail price schemes by trade associations. The Courts, on a number of occasions, have imposed large fines on companies for engaging in Resale Price Maintenance. The Court can also order the offenders to pay compensation to the storekeepers who were injured by their actions. If a supplier tries to pressure you into not discounting his goods, then you should contact the nearest branch of the ACCC in your State.