FOOD PRICE STUDY WILL SADDEN BUT NOT SURPRISE TOWNSVILLE SHOPPERS

Townsville people would be unhappy but not surprised by a Queensland Health survey showing a 54% increase in local food prices since 2000, Minister Assisting the Premier in North Queensland Craig Wallace said today.

Mr Wallace said the survey, released today, showed food price rises in Townsville, Cairns and Bowen were among the steepest in the State.

Mr Wallace said the Prime Minister John Howard should order the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to hold a national inquiry into food prices.

“Townsville mums and dads, grandparents, singles and my wife and I are all aware that prices have shot up,” Mr Wallace said.

“People are having to dig deeper to buy the basics and this is putting pressure on local households,” he said.

“Although the Prime Minister says we have never been better off, families buying food don’t see it that way.”

Mr Wallace said petrol prices and drought were driving prices up.

“The poor state of the Bruce Highway is also contributing to price rises for foodstuffs that have to be trucked in from the south.”

Queensland Health Minister Stephen Robertson today revealed that Queensland families are paying on average $149 more for the same basket of food they purchased in 2000.

The basket of food purchased for $304 in 2000 now costs an average of $453.

Families in more remote areas of Queensland are paying much more than Brisbane – Brisbane has had a 48% increase in prices while Townsville has had a 54% jump.

While the basket of food cost $443 in Brisbane it cost $478 in Townsville.

The survey was based on a standard basket of breads and cereals, meat, fruit and vegetables, dairy products and other staples that could feed a family of six for two weeks.

The price of a food basket has risen 49% statewide in six years, well above the CPI increase of 32.5% in the same period.

Media inquiries: Paul Childs, Craig Wallace’s office, on 0407 131 654.