Queensland Parliamentary Probe into Supermarket Pricing Kicks Off in Bundaberg
Source: The DairyNews
The investigation into supermarket pricing in Queensland is set to commence with its inaugural hearing in Bundaberg, shedding light on concerns surrounding the practices of major retailers.
Established by the Queensland government, the Sel ect Committee into Supermarket Pricing will scrutinize the operations of the big four supermarkets, with its inaugural session scheduled to take place in Bundaberg today.
Bundaberg, renowned as one of the nation's key agricultural hubs, boasts a significant contribution to Australia's food production, including crops like tomatoes, zucchinis, macadamias, sugarcane, and sweet potatoes, valued at over $1 billion annually. Tom Smith, Member for Bundaberg and chair of the inquiry, emphasized the need for a platform where growers could voice their apprehensions regarding supermarket practices without fear of repercussion.
Smith highlighted concerns among local growers who have experienced significant profit declines, alleging undervaluation of their products by major retailers, likening their tactics to those of organized crime syndicates.
Trevor Cross, owner of Cross Family Farms, underscored the imbalance between farmgate prices and supermarket shelf prices, expressing hope that the inquiry would rectify this disparity and ensure fairer distribution of profits.
Amidst more than 40 submissions received by the inquiry, including contributions fr om major retailers Woolworths, Coles, and Aldi, the hearings aim to explore issues of pricing discrepancies and profit margins, with representatives fr om retail giants agreeing to participate in the public inquiry.
Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers chief executive Bree Watson echoed concerns over inflated mark-ups, citing examples wh ere farmers received substantially lower prices for their produce compared to retail prices. Watson emphasized the need for sustainable changes that do not burden growers.
Chairman Tom Smith emphasized the importance of the inquiry's recommendations in driving legislative and regulatory changes to foster a fairer industry for both farmers and consumers, highlighting the significance of state-level responses to pricing issues.
As the inquiry unfolds, it aims to provide actionable recommendations to the government, potentially leading to legislative reforms aimed at creating a more equitable marketplace for Queensland's agricultural sector and consumers alike.
Bundaberg, renowned as one of the nation's key agricultural hubs, boasts a significant contribution to Australia's food production, including crops like tomatoes, zucchinis, macadamias, sugarcane, and sweet potatoes, valued at over $1 billion annually. Tom Smith, Member for Bundaberg and chair of the inquiry, emphasized the need for a platform where growers could voice their apprehensions regarding supermarket practices without fear of repercussion.
Smith highlighted concerns among local growers who have experienced significant profit declines, alleging undervaluation of their products by major retailers, likening their tactics to those of organized crime syndicates.
Trevor Cross, owner of Cross Family Farms, underscored the imbalance between farmgate prices and supermarket shelf prices, expressing hope that the inquiry would rectify this disparity and ensure fairer distribution of profits.
Amidst more than 40 submissions received by the inquiry, including contributions fr om major retailers Woolworths, Coles, and Aldi, the hearings aim to explore issues of pricing discrepancies and profit margins, with representatives fr om retail giants agreeing to participate in the public inquiry.
Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers chief executive Bree Watson echoed concerns over inflated mark-ups, citing examples wh ere farmers received substantially lower prices for their produce compared to retail prices. Watson emphasized the need for sustainable changes that do not burden growers.
Chairman Tom Smith emphasized the importance of the inquiry's recommendations in driving legislative and regulatory changes to foster a fairer industry for both farmers and consumers, highlighting the significance of state-level responses to pricing issues.
As the inquiry unfolds, it aims to provide actionable recommendations to the government, potentially leading to legislative reforms aimed at creating a more equitable marketplace for Queensland's agricultural sector and consumers alike.
