Page MP Kevin Hogan (Nationals) is calling for a royal commission with terms of reference covering the alleged misuse of market power by Australia’s supermarkets and petrol retailers.
Given the government spent years fending off demands for a royal commission into the banks, it will be interesting to see how they will react to the calls from parliament’s newest crossbencher.
On the other hand, with its majority in the lower house further reduced following the election of Kerryn Phelps, they may need to do all they can to keep him onside.
Either way, Mr Hogan isn’t fazed, saying he will move a motion next week ‘calling on a royal commission with terms of reference that cover these two areas.
‘I hear enough stories from our farmers and processors that warrant a royal commission into our major supermarkets,’ he said.
The allegations of misuse of market power, unconscionable conduct and the use of unfair contract terms must be investigated by a Royal Commission.’
‘The larger supermarket chains – Woolworths, Coles, ALDI – control more than 76 per cent of the industry.
Fuel price gouging
Mr Hogan also thinks his constituents, and regional residents generally, pay more than their fair share for fuel.
‘I am sick of regional and country retail petrol prices being higher than city prices. It is not unusual for there to be a 20-30 cent per litre differential. This is not explainable by transport costs or any other cost input.
‘With very little public transport options in the country, and the longer distances travelled, it is a huge impost on country people.
‘I have questioned the ACCC and others on this and have never had a reasonable explanation. This needs to be investigated by a royal commission to see if alleged price gouging is occurring.’
Was it not the national – liberal coalition at state and federal level government who supported deregulation, privatisation and marketisation of our essential services, as well as supporting large corporations such as the main supermarkets, fuel retailers and energy providers with free reign over prices?
Why have the nationals not done anything about this in the last 5 years of government? this is not a recent issue, its been happening for years! Sounds like a last ditch grab for votes. I can’t believe he is trying to pretend to be on the peoples side, what have you been doing for the last 5 years ?
Another government eg Labor would not really make much difference, a royal commission won’t make much difference.
What is required is removal of government donations or apply a strict lower limit.
Stop the corruption. Government representatives are for the people not for the corporations and their shareholders. Stop voting for these lying fools, vote for someone who wants to change and challenge the current system of politics.
I would like to thank Village Greens petrol/fruit & veg shop Brunswick Heads, they consistently have lower petrol prices than any other petrol stop that i have encountered in the shire.. Recently 30c/ltr cheaper than any major retailer locally. They put the others who offer member discounts to shame.. I’m sure i’m just one of they’re many grateful customers. ..
What a load of unadulterated BS! Hogan and his National dinosaurs continue to fight tooth and nail to maintain and protect all aspects of the Fossil Fuel Industry!
Would the removal of people’s penalty rates count as gouging? If so we have our own representative who voted to implement said removal of rates….. in the same week, voting for a salary increase for said removers in parliament.
Anyway, the thought bubble won’t come to anything……. it is in the DNA of the LNP & all similar neo-libs to let the ‘market’ have free reign over pricing. Regulation of corporates is anathema to neo-libs so another reason it will not happen.
rant over !!
Suddenly with an election looming he has seen an issue. How about funding the bodies like the ACCC rather than demanding efficiency dividends(ie cuts) and making them strong enough to do their job. Also federal funding for public transport rather tha diesel concessions to mining etc would be more helpful.
What’s needed is a Royal Commission into the LNP & Labor since
they are the ‘lords of power’ undermining the public who pay them.
[‘undermining’ is pun-intended]. Watch the pollies follow any old
bouncing ball. Cats & dogs too know better.