The Victorian Greens have welcomed reports of a federal review into supermarket prices, saying the Woolworths and Coles duopoly need to stop taking customers for a ride.
The Federal Labor Government's decision to launch the review follows months of pressure from the Greens to alleviate the cost-of-living crisis by tackling supermarket price gouging.
However, the Greens say while their federal counterparts have finally woken up to the issue, the Victorian Labor Government continues to shirk its responsibility by refusing to take action.
Acting Leader of the Victorian Greens, Aiv Puglielli, said the Victorian Labor Government has the power to stop supermarket price gouging but is refusing to use it.
Last year the Victorian Greens established a parliamentary inquiry into the rising cost of groceries and dodgy supermarket price gouging. The inquiry will commence this year.
As stated by Acting Leader of the Victorian Greens, Aiv Puglielli MLC:
"The Victorian Labor Government has the power to stop supermarket price gouging, but they're refusing to use it.
"Right now, people are struggling to afford food because profiteering supermarkets are jacking up their prices.
"They're being forced to skip meals, to go without fresh food, and to raid their savings or go into debt just to pay for the essentials.
"Yet while everyday Victorians struggle to feed themselves and their families, the supermarket duopoly of Coles and Woolworths are making billions in profit.
"Food is an essential service. We cannot live without it. Labor needs to take on their big business buddies and make food affordable."
