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Food and Grocery Code of Conduct still not reviewed after 100 days

Littleproud criticises Labor for delaying appointment of Dr. Emerson as Reviewer, highlighting cost-of-living crisis and advocating for ACCC inquiry into supermarket prices.

By news@gippsland - 9th January 2024 - Back to News

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.

Littleproud criticises Albanese government for nearly 100-day delay in appointing Dr. Emerson, highlighting the cost-of-living crisis

Disappointing delays

Mr Littleproud said, "It is disappointing that it has taken almost 100 days for the Albanese government to appoint Dr Craig Emerson as the Reviewer. 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 that the appointment of Dr Emerson is another case of 'jobs for the boys' with Dr Emerson being a former Labor Minister," he said.

Price disparity concerns

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 percent 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," he said.

Pictures from David Littleproud MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com