Make submissions on Grocery Prices – Mike Kelly

Friday 15 February 2008
The Member for Eden-Monaro, Mike Kelly, has reminded people in the electorate to make submissions to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) National Grocery Prices Inquiry.

Mike Kelly, Member for Eden-Monaro

“The Government has instructed the ACCC to take a broad approach to its inquiry and ensure all aspects of the supermarket supply chain are included – from the farm gate to the check out counter,” Mr Kelly said.

“We want to ensure working families are getting a fair deal at the supermarket. There is no question that families are under pressure with food inflation in Australia rising by 43.6 per cent over the last decade compared with 25.1 per cent in the US and 11.6 per cent in the UK.”

In undertaking the inquiry, the ACCC will consult widely with retailers, businesses along the supply chain, farmers, consumer groups and other interested parties.

“The ACCC will also be examining competition issues surrounding fertiliser prices,” Mr Kelly said.

The ACCC is required to report to the Minister for Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs by July 31 this year. The ACCC has released an issues paper on matters relevant to its inquiry into the competitiveness of retail prices for standard groceries.

For more information on how to make a submission or for a copy of the issues paper please go to the ACCC website www.accc.gov.au or call the ACCC Infocentre on 1300 302 502.