Miles Doing What Matters: Premier taking on the big supermarkets

• Premier Steven Miles has announced the Government has accepted all recommendations of the Supermarket Pricing Select Committee
• An interim Food Farmers Commissioner will be appointed, with expressions of interest open from today
• Government will also work with industry to launch retail and farmgate price reporting, so Queenslanders can see what costs the big supermarkets are adding to essential goods

The Miles Government has accepted all recommendations of the Supermarket Pricing Select Committee report.

The inquiry examined the causes and effects of increased supermarket prices, after Queenslander farmers and shoppers said they’re being ripped off at the farmgate and checkout.

The select committee also identified opportunities to increase transparency in the supermarket sector from paddock to plate.

Public hearings conducted in Bundaberg, Cairns and Brisbane, a private hearing in Brisbane, and engagement with community leaders in Yarrabah also informed the inquiry.

One of the key measures outlined in the government’s response to the inquiry includes the appointment of an Interim Queensland Food Farmers Commissioner for 12 months, with expressions of interest open from today.

The Interim Commissioner will assist producers to navigate supplier arrangements with supermarkets, and scope a range of consultative, advisory, mediation, transparency and advocacy functions.

The new role will be a statutory officer and locked into law.

This is in addition to supporting farmers by rolling out the ‘Geared Up Growers’ pilot project, in partnership with Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers. This includes launching retail and farmgate price reporting on a range of essential goods.

At the retail end, it is clear we need to level the playing field. This includes lowering barriers for little retailers through planning rules.

We will crack down on land banking, capping the amount of times that the big supermarkets can roll over approvals without action. And we will make clear there is a state interest in grocery competition so we can call in applications and accelerate new supermarkets.
In addition, the Office of Fair Trading will roll out consumer education campaigns to enhance Queenslanders’ awareness about the value of unit pricing, consumer rights and the benefits of buying imperfect or non-premium produce.

Other measures that respond to the committee’s recommendations include:

·      Enhanced delivery of subsidised freight services across the state through three separate regional assistance packages,

·      Ongoing roll out of major transport infrastructure commitments to support regional and remotes supply chains,

·      Funding for EastAusMilk to develop a Queensland Dairy Industry Plan in consultation with industry stakeholders, and

·      Further examination into the competition impacts of the expanding click and collect and home delivery service market, subject to the findings of the ACCC’sSupermarkets Inquiry 2024-25.

The Miles Government has also committed to continuing regional freight subsidies, planning reforms to enable greater competition and consumer awareness activities.

For more information, visit www.daf.qld.gov.au

Quotes attributable to the Premier:

“As I’ve travelled the state Queenslanders have been telling me they’ve been feeling the pinch at the supermarket checkout, paying more for fresh produce while farmers make less.

“At the same time, producers are saying the big supermarkets are ripping them off at the farmgate too.

“It just isn’t good enough, so I am doing something about it.

“I want to thank the committee for working with communities and experts around the state, to come up with these recommendations. 

“The reforms we plan to implement will mean a fairer go for farmers, consumers and those along the supply chain, beginning with appointing a Food Farmers Commissioner today.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner:

“The Premier is leading the charge in taking on the big supermarkets and appointing a Food Farmers Commissioner. 

“The Miles Government backs our primary producers, and while we’re supporting them, we’re also supporting Queenslanders at the supermarket checkout. 

“From paddock to plate, our government is passionate about making sure farmers and consumers are getting a fair deal.”

Quotes attributable to Committee Chair, Bundaberg MP Tom Smith:

“In Bundaberg and across the state, Queenslanders have been paying more at the checkout, while our farmers have been getting less for their produce.

"As the inquiry unfolded, we heard again and again that Queensland growers feel powerless to speak out against the tactics being used against them by the dominant retailers.

“The Miles Government accepting all recommendations from the Committee speaks volumes about Labor’s commitment to putting Queenslanders and farmers first at the checkout.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers CEO Rachel Chambers:

"Food is at the heart of our health, our communities, and our economy.

“The government’s focus on tackling the challenges within our very complex food system is both timely and essential.

“The commitment of the Miles Government to continue to advance the efforts initiated by the Supermarket Inquiry shows a real understanding of the importance of food in all our lives and the need to safeguard protect and strengthen the link between what we grow and what we consume."

Quotes attributable to Queensland Farmers’ Federation CEO Jo Sheppard:

“QFF welcomes the move to establish a Queensland Food Farmers Commissioner. As many farmers who produce food for our nation continue to struggle with increasing costs of production, workforce shortages, tightening terms of trade and uncertain market conditions, it is important that we work together to ensure a viable future for farmers,

“A level playing field and transparency in the marketplace is critical for farmers and for consumers. QFF believes a Queensland Food Farmers Commissioner will play an important role in working with farmers, the supply chain and government to focus in on the key issues that need to be addressed if we are to support strong food systems.

“Queensland farmers produce some of the best food in the world, but we cannot sit on our laurels and assume this is going to just happen in the future. We need to value food, value our farmers and do the work now that will set both farmers and consumers up for success into the future.

“The establishment of a Queensland Food Farmers Commissioner an important first step as we continue to create an environment that enables sustainable food production for future generations.”

ENDS