Labor’s Food and Grocery Code of Conduct Review has taken almost 100 days to appoint a Reviewer. Mr. Littleproud said the Prime Minister has been shamed into announcing the Reviewer, Dr. Craig Emerson, just hours before 100 days into a 272-day review, while families and farmers continue to be ripped off at the checkout and farmgate in a cost-of-living crisis.
“It is disappointing that it has taken almost 100 days for the Albanese Government to appoint Dr. Craig Emerson as the Reviewer,” Mr. Littleproud said. “The cost-of-living crisis, which involves grocery prices, is the most important issue facing Australian families.
“Sadly, this delay has been embarrassing for the Prime Minister, the Treasurer, and the Agriculture Minister. They have been caught asleep at the wheel. It has taken The Nationals’ calling out of Labor’s gross failure to get this going today, highlighting it has been almost 100 days, for Labor to finally appoint Dr. Emerson.
“Labor is out of touch with the priorities of Australian families. How can a Reviewer report by its due date of 30 June 2024, when it has taken them almost 100 days to appoint Dr. Emerson?
“The Nationals are also concerned the appointment of Dr. Emerson is another case of ‘jobs for the boys’ with Dr. Emerson being a former Labor Minister.”
Mr. Littleproud said Labor’s delay follows further evidence of price disparity on the cost of fruit and vegetables in supermarkets, which demanded an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) price inquiry.
A recent survey by AusVeg found record-low morale and more than 30 per cent of Australian vegetable growers are considering leaving the industry this year.
“The Nationals have been calling for an ACCC price inquiry into supermarket price gouging, which as an independent watchdog would have greater power to act and compel supermarket CEOs to give evidence.
“Families cannot afford to wait for Labor’s incompetence or ‘jobs for the boys’ mates to provide answers about Australia’s cost-of-living crisis.
“In fact, this appointment only highlights why an independent watchdog is required.
“Our growers and farmers need the confidence to get their fair share, to know they can negotiate in good faith and get paid on the right terms. Families, consumers, and farmers deserve better than Labor’s too slow and too lazy approach.”
