Queensland is searching for its first Food Farmers Commissioner as the State Government accepts all the recommendations of an inquiry into supermarket pricing.
Premier Steven Miles said the inquiry examined the causes and effects of increased supermarket prices.
Premier Miles said a Supermarket Pricing Select Committee identified opportunities to increase transparency in the supermarket sector from paddock to plate.
“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.”
He said the Interim Commissioner would 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.”
Premier Miles said this would be in addition to supporting farmers by rolling out a ‘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.”
He said there would also be a focus on “land banking”, by capping the amount of times supermarkets could 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.”
Premier Miles said other measures that responded to the committee’s recommendations included:
- 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.
- Further examination into the competition impacts of the expanding click and collect and home delivery service market, subject to the findings of the ACCC’s Supermarkets Inquiry 2024-25.
