MEDIA RELEASE MONDAY 24 MARCH 2025: KATE HOOK CALLS FOR REAL ACTION FOLLOWING ACCC’S FINAL REPORT ON SUPERMARKETS

Independent candidate for Calare, Kate Hook, has renewed calls for stronger protections against price gouging, fairer treatment of farmers and suppliers, and real competition in the supermarket sector following the release of the ACCC’s final report into Australia’s grocery pricing.
“The ACCC’s findings confirm what Australians have known for years—our two major supermarkets are gaming the system, driving up prices while squeezing our farmers, small suppliers and consumers. Changes are needed to break up this unfair monopoly and ensure Australians get a fair deal at the checkout and food producers are no longer forced into unfair deals.”

“The ACCC or the courts need the ability to force large corporations to sell off assets or parts of their business if they are found to be stifling competition - similar to powers available in the US and UK,” added Ms Hook.

Ms Hook welcomed the ACCC’s recommendations to:
• Stop the price tricks – Supermarkets must be transparent about price changes and shrinkflation (smaller products at the same price). No more sneaky tactics.
• Enable real competition = lower prices – right now, two big players dominate. We need to open up the market so smaller grocers, independents and community stores can thrive, through addressing practices like “land banking” by the two majors.
• Ensure fair deals for farmers and suppliers – big supermarkets use unfair contracts and last-minute order changes that hurt farmers and small producers. That needs to stop.
• Make loyalty programs more transparent– supermarkets collect lots of data through rewards programs, but we don’t know how they use it. That needs to be clearer.
• Make it easier to compare prices – prices should be published online in a way that helps people find the best deals.
• Support rural communities – food is more expensive in remote areas. We need better support for local, community-run stores to keep prices fair.

“These are practical steps that would make a real difference to everyday Australians, but if history tells us anything, big supermarkets will push back hard—and the major parties will listen to them, not us.”

Ms Hook expressed concern that previous recommendations for stronger supermarket regulation have been blocked by both Labor and the Coalition.

“We have to ask—who are the parties really working for? Every delay benefits the big supermarkets, while families, farmers and small businesses continue to struggle. The government must step in to fix this market failure, because right now, the duopoly is running the show.”
Ms Hook supports calls for divestiture powers, which would allow the government to break up supermarket monopolies if necessary.
“The government could have the power to fix this, but would they use it? If elected, I will push for full implementation of the ACCC’s recommendations, without industry interference or political excuses.”
Ms Hook also called for an end to corporate influence over policy decisions, warning that donations from major supermarket chains undermine public trust.
“The major parties are beholden to big corporations, while Australians are left paying more at the checkout. They must stop representing their political donors and start representing the people of Australia. This is why independent voices in Parliament
are so important—we answer to the community, not corporate donors.”
With supermarket profits soaring—Woolworths’ profit margin has jumped from 4.7% in 2019 to 6.1% in 2024—Ms Hook said voters are fed up.
“The cost-of-living crisis is pushing families to breaking point while supermarket CEOs celebrate record profits. It’s time to stand up to corporate greed and put people first.”
She concluded by reaffirming her commitment to ensuring fairness, transparency, and real competition in the supermarket sector.
“Australians deserve better. It’s time to stop the price gouging, stop the market manipulation, and ensure that our farmers and families get a fair go.”
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