FEDERAL Independent MP for Indi, Dr Helen Haines MP has praised consumers for active monitoring of price concerns that has led to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) conducting a full investigation into pricing practices. The ACCC has initiated separate actions against both major supermarket chains, Woolworths and Coles, after consumer complaints and social media monitoring on a range of everyday items. “These allegations – that the big supermarkets raised prices temporarily before advertising ‘discounts’ that were higher than the original prices – are beyond the pale,” Dr Haines said. “People are likely to be shaking their heads into their supermarket trollies at this news, but at the same time are probably not really surprised. “At a time when Australians are battling to make ends meet, we need tough consequences for businesses that engage in this type of behaviour – the government must show that this is unacceptable and stand up for everyday Australians.” On the same day as the ACCC announced its action, the government said it would introduce legislation by the end of the year to address the recommendations of reviews into Australia’s supermarket sector. “The government has now said it will introduce legislation by the end of the year to enforce a new mandatory code of conduct and address other recommendations from the review. "This is welcome news, but probably something that consumers wish had come sooner. “As an Independent MP, I’ll be watching this closely and holding the Government to account to make sure we get the laws we need to help everyday Australians against the top end of town. “Earlier this year I supported a bill from fellow Independent MP Bob Katter to reduce the dominance of the big supermarket players – so far the action in this space in the parliament hasn’t been from the major parties.”
