Kate Hook Demands Accountability And Transparency In Supermarket Pricing

Independent candidate for Calare, Kate Hook, has called for stronger protections against price gouging, better support for lo­cal producers, and greater competition in the sector to drive prices down as part of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) investigation into supermarket pricing.

“Local farmers and small businesses are the backbone of our communities in Calare.

We need policies that empower them and foster a fairer, more competitive market where everyone benefits – not just the big corporations. I’ve spoken to local produc­ers who have chosen to pull their products from the big supermarkets due to unfair pricing and treatment. These are the peo­ple who feed Australians, they need a fair reward for their hard work.”

With the government’s ongoing Senate inquiry into supermarket pricing and the ongoing ACCC investigation, instigated by the Albanese government this time last year, Ms Hook emphasised the need for these reviews to actually start delivering real outcomes for consumers.

“The ACCC inquiry is a positive step, but investigations alone are not enough. Theseinquiries must be robust, independent, free from undue influence by powerful indus­try players but also create action and real change.”

“I look forward to seeing the final report from the ACCC, due in February but giv­en that previous recommendations of the Senate committee have been rejected by Senators from both Labor and the Coali­tion, we have to ask, who are the major parties working for? Bowing to industry pressure only serves to undermine public trust and perpetuate a system where large corporations profit at the expense of fami­lies, farmers, and small businesses. The parties really don’t get how the hip pockets of the public are impacted by the behav­iours of the supermarkets. Action speaks louder than words and it’s well overdue.

The ACCC’s findings need to be followed by real change.”

Ms Hook has pledged to stand firm against any attempts to weaken these in­quiries, dilute their findings or negate real action given the influence the supermar­kets have on the political parties through financial donations.

“This is yet another area where inde­pendent members of parliament, who are not beholden to corporate interests, are able to bring community-led solutions to is­sues that the major parties have been too fearful to discuss. As a regional, commu­nity independent, I’m passionate about en­suring our producers get a fairer deal and that people don’t continue to struggle to put food on the table while the supermarket du­opoly feasts on record profits.

“We need to have a sensible discussion about addressing monopolies/duopolies which are market failures.”

Ms Hook concluded by reaffirming her commitment to standing up for the people of Calare and ensuring the government pri­oritises fairness and accountability in the face of rising living costs.

“The people have spoken over and over again, and I intend on being their voice in Canberra. Australians deserve a fair go. It’s time we put the interests of people and pro­ducers ahead of profits of the supermar­kets and the coffers of the political parties, and build a fairer, more equitable system for everyone.”