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Bunnings is alleged to have used its market power to squeeze suppliers, keep competitors from setting up stores in retail precincts where its outlets are and is disingenuous about its pricing while making large profits.

The allegations in the ABC Four Corners documentary came as a reputational blow to the beloved Australian store, with Wesfarmers’ CEO Rob Scott addressing these allegations on Sky News’ Business Weekend.

“We pay our team members more than well above the award rates, the relationships we have with our thousands of suppliers are very strong and long-standing,” he said.

“Now, occasionally, businesses make mistakes and when they do make a mistake, it's important that they own it and face into it.”

After admitting the presence of his stores put pressure on the retailer's competition, Mr Scott argued the competition offered by Bunnings was critical for Aussie consumers.

“There is pressure on the competition, but at the end of the day someone has to be there for the customer, right?” he asked.

“Someone has to offer great value to customers and remembering as well that I don't apologise for trying to build a successful business in Bunnings.

“We are fighting tooth and nail against some very big and fierce international competitors in the retail space and we would rather that those jobs and those opportunities stay within Bunnings.”

Bunnings is also a point of focus of a “Big Box” senate inquiry that will investigate the market power of large-format retailers, including Ikea and Costco, and how they set their prices.

The Aussie warehouse store's $19 billion of revenue in 2024 was also a point of focus in the ABC’s report, alongside its $3.2b in profits before tax, interest and depreciation.

This has meant the company has 16.8 per cent profit margin, almost double those generated by Woolworths or Coles which are described as two of the most profitable supermarkets in the world.

Bunnings said its margins are “not directly comparable” to the supermarket sector due to the different array of products and the slower turnaround of its items.

The ABC episode also noted grievances from suppliers that Bunnings was marking up its products to make the large profits.

Following the episode of Four Corners airing, Bunnings’ managing director Mike Schneider said the company "wants to reaffirm our commitment to the values that have guided our business for decades which is in direct contrast to the characterisations made by the ABC".

"We strongly reject any suggestions made in the program that we engage in anti-competitive behaviour, bullying, underpayment of our team, or that we seek to limit consumer choice or the application of our price guarantee," Mr Schneider said in a statement.