ACCC says regional areas paying too much for groceries
Senator Tammy Tyrrell, Independent Senator for Tasmania, says the ACCC Supermarket Inquiry interim report echoes evidence in previous supermarket inquiries.
“How many times do you have to bang your head against the brick wall before something sinks in?
“The ACCC Supermarket Inquiry highlights what we already knew: regional areas without competition are paying too much for groceries. Tasmanians are feeling the pinch at the checkout because we don’t have the option to shop around. There’s no ALDI or Costco.
“Competitors like ALDI say logistics make it difficult to set up in Tassie. That’s why I’m chairing a Senate Inquiry into freight costs across Bass Strait.
"Businesses are paying huge costs to get produce to and from the mainland. They can’t absorb that. It gets passed on to shoppers when they pay at the checkout. And it’s not just a Tassie issue. 80% of what’s sent across the Bass Strait is fresh food for sale in other states, so it impacts on prices for mainlanders too.
"The current government scheme to subsidise freight costs for businesses isn’t working. Fixing it to be fairer for businesses will help with grocery prices, help producers and make it more attractive for supermarket competitors to come to Tassie."
The ACCC interim report also commented on allegations of land banking and how it creates a barrier to entry or expansion for supermarket competitors.
“Burnie in North-West Tasmania is a town of 20,000 people. It has one Woolies and one Coles. There’s now a brand-new second Woolies being built five minutes from the other one.
"I’m not saying that’s land banking or anything dodgy. But I am saying Burnie didn’t really need a second Woolies.”
**I've launched a petition to bring ALDI to Tassie. Sign it here.
What else is news?
Everything Tam's been saying in front of journalists and their microphones.
Media Releases; Freeze tobacco tax & regulate vapes to fight illicit tobacco
In her first speech, she pushes for urgent reforms to combat illegal tobacco and improve access to safer alternatives, advocating for a balanced approach to public health challenges.
Standing up for what’s fair, I’m calling out the flawed logic behind the Macquarie Point Stadium, a billion-dollar fantasy that puts Tasmanians’ needs last.
Media releases; TYRRELL PROUD TO SUPPORT SALMON & WEST COAST COMMUNITY
From the rugged shores of Macquarie Harbour to the heart of Tasmania’s parliament, this speech captures the essence of standing up for workers, communities, and the delicate balance between industry and environment.