The Victorian Parliament will today debate and vote on a Greens’ motion to regulate supermarkets to stop them from price-gouging and taking customers for a ride.
The motion will call on the Victorian Labor Government to use its powers under the Essential Services Commission Act to declare supermarkets a regulated industry.
The declaration would give the Essential Services Commission the authority to stop supermarkets from price-gouging customers, and ensure the commission is continually monitoring and reporting on supermarket prices and competition.
As stated by Victorian Greens economic justice spokesperson, Sam Hibbins MP:
“Following the Four Corners investigation showing the supermarkets profiting off price hikes, there is now a real and urgent need for the state government to step in and regulate supermarkets to stop them price-gouging.
“Right now people are struggling to afford food because profiteering supermarkets are jacking up their prices.
“Out-of-control food prices are causing significant hardship, stress and anxiety for people and impacting their quality of life.
“The Victorian Labor Government has the power to stop supermarkets from ripping people off – but they’re choosing not to use it.
“The government must take on the supermarket duopoly to cut the cost of food for everyone.”
As stated by Victorian Greens Member for North-East Metro, Aiv Puglielli MLC:
“While the supermarkets charge more and more for groceries, they’re posting billions in profits.
“People are being forced to skip meals, to go without fresh food, and to raid their savings or go into debt just to pay for the essentials.
“This Labor Government has the power to act, but instead they’re continuing to side with profiteering corporations at the expense of everyday people. Labor needs to step in to stop Coles and Woolies ripping people off.”
