In the vast and sunburnt landscapes of Australia, the convenience of popping down to the local supermarket is a luxury not afforded to all. For those living in remote communities, the weekly grocery shop can be a financial burden that weighs heavily on household budgets.
Australian consumers are facing a significant financial strain as leading supermarkets—Woolworths, Coles, ALDI, and IGA—announce substantial price increases across a range of essential products. Recent reports indicate that these adjustments could result in an average increase of $55 in weekly grocery bills for shoppers.
It’s a stark reality that has prompted the Australian government to take decisive action, promising to align the price of essential grocery items in these remote areas with those found in the bustling cities.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to make a groundbreaking announcement as part of the latest Closing the Gap statement today. In a move that will bring relief to many, the government has committed to capping the cost of 30 essential products in over 76 remote stores.
This initiative is not just about price control but also about enhancing warehouse capacity and strengthening supply chains to ensure that these communities have consistent access to affordable food.
The list of 30 items earmarked for price regulation reads like a basic survival kit for any modern household. It includes staples such as flour, milk, and rice, alongside bread, beef, chicken, eggs, and canned tuna. Fresh produce hasn’t been forgotten, with several fruits and vegetables making the cut. And in a nod to everyday hygiene and health, toilet paper, nappies, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and menstrual products are also included.
While the specific stores set to benefit from this policy are yet to be disclosed, the anticipation is palpable.
The urgency of this intervention cannot be overstated. A recent mystery shop conducted by consumer advocacy group CHOICE in four remote community stores—two in Western Australia and two in the Northern Territory—revealed a stark disparity in grocery pricing.
The cost of nine basic items, including milk, pasta, and flour, was reportedly more than double in these remote locations compared to the average prices at Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, and IGA supermarkets in the capital cities.
CHOICE’s Jarni Blakkarly highlighted the gravity of the situation noting that the average price of the basket in the remote communities was a staggering $99.38, compared to just $44.70 in the cities. The price differences for identical items were described as ‘pretty astounding,’ with apples costing up to $9.10 per kilo in the Northern Territory’s West Daly store, compared to $4.87 per kilo in the capitals.
This price surge is not an isolated issue. Across Australia, food prices have risen by 3 per cent over the 12 months leading up to the December quarter. While this is a slight decrease from the 3.3 per cent increase in the September quarter, the cost of living remains a pressing concern.
Fruit and vegetable prices have soared by 6.3 per cent, and while meat, seafood, bread, and cereal have seen a 2.5 per cent hike, dairy products have fortunately dropped by 1.2 per cent, according to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
The government’s promise to lock in city prices for essential items in remote communities could be a significant step towards addressing food insecurity and its associated health impacts. It’s a commitment that acknowledges the right of all Australians, regardless of their postcode, to access affordable and nutritious food.
As we await further details on this initiative, we invite our readers to share their own supermarket stories. Have you experienced a shocking price hike in your local store? How has the cost of living affected your grocery shopping habits? Your insights are valuable, and we encourage you to join the conversation in the comments below.
