Labor’s supermarket inquiry designed for a government about to go to the polls

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said Labor’s supermarket inquiry shows it was designed for a government about to go to an election.

Mr Littleproud said the Albanese Labor Government had a business-as-usual approach, to protect families and farmers against the major supermarket’s profiteering and anticompetitive behaviour.

“Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged on January 16, 2024 ‘if the ACCC asks for more powers, then my government will give it to them’, after ACCC chief Gina Cass-Gottlieb said she would welcome new powers to break up big business including supermarkets and that those powers would be ‘useful to have in the toolkit’.

“However, just a month later, after the big supermarkets had obviously got to him, he declared he would rule out divestiture because ‘we are not a Soviet country’.

“Mr Albanese has never been genuine about real change and has played politics while families go without meals tonight.

“Labor’s Mandatory Food and Grocery Code won’t take effect until April 1, despite the costof-living crisis being now, not April 1, and the Coalition calling for action since 2022.

“Under Labor, supermarkets can continue to price-gouge on families and ditch suppliers with one simple tarnished product, because Anthony Albanese’s ’s measly fine of $198,000 could be pulled out of a till at any city that does nothing to change culture.

“Anthony Albanese has also been too weak to stand up to the major supermarkets and has had the wrong priorities, making excuse after excuse for three years.”

The report found some types of groceries have skyrocketed more than others in price since 2019, such as oils and fats (49%), eggs (47%), milk (34%), cheese (33%), and bread (32%), stating grocery prices have ‘increased significantly in Australia and impacted affordability for consumers’.

“The inquiry asks for more transparency and reporting but fails to understand if there’s not a consequence for doing the wrong thing, then it’s just business-as-usual for the big supermarkets.”

Mr Littleproud said the Coalition had a strong plan to crack down on major supermarkets and deliver fair prices, that included:

• Higher penalties from $2 million on the spot fines, scaling up to $10 million.
• Increased powers for the ACCC to be conduct random audits of major supermarkets.
• A Supermarket Commissioner, to act as a confidential avenue for farmers and suppliers, to address the fear of retribution.
• Sector-specific divestiture powers, in the hands of the ACCC and the courts, as a last resort to address the behaviour of supermarkets and to put an end to instances of price-gouging.

“All families and farmers are asking for is a fair price but Labor has let them down. The Coalition will have the back of families and farmers.

“Our changes will protect families at the checkout and farmers at the farm gate."