Labor has sided with big business, voting down a Greens Bill that would have made price gouging illegal, showing they're more interested in protecting corporate profits than looking after everyday Australians.
"Labor had the chance to stand up for Australians struggling with skyrocketing costs, but instead they chose to protect their corporate donors," Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.
"They talk about fairness and tackling the cost-of-living crisis, but when it comes to taking real action against the supermarket giants, Labor is nowhere to be found."
"Major corporations like Coles and Woolworths will keep raking in massive profits, while shoppers are forced to pay more for their groceries, electricity, and other essentials."
The Greens' bill would have made it illegal for corporations with substantial market power to engage in price gouging, with penalties of up to $50 million for those found guilty.
"Labor failed Australians today. This was a golden opportunity to hold the worst corporate offenders accountable for profiteering, but they chose to protect the billion-dollar profits of their mates in big business instead."
"Labor tried every procedural trick in the book to stop the Bill going to a vote. They are embarrassed of their own position."
"This Bill had the numbers to pass the Senate with Labor's support."
"If we're serious about fixing the cost-of-living crisis, we need to rein in corporate power."
"But Labor is either too compromised or too weak to take on the big end of town. Australians deserve better."
The Greens will keep fighting for meaningful reform to crack down on price gouging and protect people from corporate greed.
