28 November 2024
The South Australian Parliament’s Inquiry into Grocery Prices, chaired by Greens MLC Robert Simms has tabled its report.
Key recommendations include:
- Potential amendments to state planning laws to prevent the rezoning of greenfield sites to retail in instances where this would have a negative impact on existing businesses
- Prioritising green space in new developments to encourage community gardens
- Discouraging land banking by major food retailers
- Legislating to increase the social responsibility of supermarkets
- Reviewing packaging standards and cosmetic specifications to make sure these are not contributing to food waste
- Reviewing Government procurement guidelines to prioritise smaller food retailers
You can read the full suite of recommendations here (see ‘Grocery Pricing in South Australia’) https://www.parliament.sa.gov.au/en/Committees/Committees-Detail.
Quotes attributable to Chair, Greens MLC Robert Simms
“This inquiry has exposed many of the factors that are contributing to high grocery prices in South Australia, including a lack of competition among food retailers, a lack of transparency around pricing and stringent food packaging standards. I want to thank all of the South Australian consumers, business and advocacy organisations that have shared their stories with us over the last 9 months.”
“As we head towards Christmas many South Australians will be worrying about spiralling food costs and looking for the Government to take action. This committee has proposed a range of practical recommendations that can be implemented at a state level to help get this crisis under control.”
“Measures include potential amendments to planning laws to stop big food retailers from buying up vacant land to crowd out competition and legislating for supermarkets to take responsibility for their waste.”
“I look forward to the Malinauskas Government responding to these recommendations in the New Year.”