with Susan Templeman MP

A better deal at the checkout .

The Albanese Government knows that cost of living pressures is hurting , especially the cost of essentials at the supermarket . There is no question you see higher profit levels for the two big supermarkets in Australia than you do for supermarkets in many other countries . That market power is an issue both for suppliers and consumers .

And that ’ s why the government is focused on better prices , making sure if prices are dropping at the farm gate that they ’ re also dropping at the checkout . If farmers aren ’ t getting as much for their products , consumers shouldn ’ t be paying as much for those very same products .

We ’ ve taken action to address the supermarket duopoly and have three initiatives to put a spotlight on the big

supermarkets to find out why prices are so high at the checkout while , at the same time , farmers and producers are being squeezed .

The first is an inquiry into supermarket pricing by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission ( ACCC ), the second is a review of the Food and Grocery Code and the third involves working with consumer advocates CHOICE to empower households to make informed decisions about where they chose to shop .

In its submission to the ACCC inquiry , CHOICE has argued that the two main supermarket chains “ routinely manipulate prices to the detriment of customers ”. It says the “ complex pricing methodologies lack both transparency and accountability ”.

CHOICE - part of the Australian Consumers ’ Association - are on the side of consumers and the government is investing $ 1 million in CHOICE so they

can provide price transparency and comparison reports on a quarterly basis for three years .

You ’ ll soon see their first report which will provide shoppers with increased transparency , comparing a basket of goods at different retailers , so you have better information to make decisions about where you shop .

Meanwhile , the ACCC inquiry is examining the competitiveness of retail prices for everyday groceries . The 12-month inquiry will look at the current structure of the supermarket industry at the supply , wholesale and retail levels . The ACCC released their issues paper last month , and submissions to the inquiry and a consumer survey are now open .

Dr Craig Emerson , former Competition Minister , is reviewing the Food and Grocery Code , which regulates business dealings between farmers , suppliers , wholesalers ,

and supermarkets , and addresses harmful practices in the grocery sector stemming from the imbalance of bargaining power – the big guys versus the little guys .

This review will test whether the Code is effectively contributing to the food and grocery industry as intended including whether the Code should be mandatory rather than voluntary and whether it should have appropriate penalties .

While we wait for the findings of these reviews , it ’ s always worthwhile to look to local growers , either from the growers markets where you know the price you ’ re paying is going directly to the producer or smaller local grocers .

Our region is a source of great local produce and goods , where often the middle man is cut out and you buy direct , knowing that what you ’ re spending is going straight back into your local community . So shop local !

with Robyn Preston , MP

If you ’ re a regular traveller on Richmond Road , you would appreciate just how important this connector road is for Hawkesbury residents getting to work , to school , to sporting venues , medical appointments , shopping centres and hospitals across the region and Western Sydney .

Connector roads like Richmond Road move our produce to market and get tradies to destinations every day . State roads are carrying increased traffic as the west grows and housing is rapidly expanding along the major corridors .

Roads like Richmond Road and Blacktown Road are becoming unmanageable and congestion is

choking our region . Every morning , tradies on Richmond Road and neighbouring streets are delayed and frustrated , trying reach their jobs on time .

The previous Liberal / Nationals Government recognised the importance of upgrading Richmond Road and committed $ 385 million in February 2023 to upgrade two sections of the road and to make it more flood resilient .

I was relieved when upgrades to Richmond Road remained a priority for the Minns Labor Government , so why then haven ’ t we seen shovels in the ground or at least an update as to how the project is tracking , on the Transport for NSW website ? Should I be worried – absolutely ?

I am concerned that this will become

a promise with no intention to deliver or that pay rises given to some sectors , will mean that infrastructure projects like this one , will stall because there is no money available .

The Transport for NSW website lists three Richmond Road projects –

• an upgrade to six lanes between the M7 Motorway to Bells Creek , Colebee

• an upgrade to six lanes between Bells Creek and Townson Road , Marsden Park and

• an upgrade to four lanes from north of Elara Boulevard , Marsden Park Unfortunately , these projects are barely out of the concept stage . It smacks of a lot of desktop work going on , but no construction on the ground .

I fear the intent here is to move at a snail ’ s pace on the Richmond Road upgrades for the next three years and then make some grand announcement as we head towards the next state election in 2027 .

The Minns Labor Government cannot take the people of Western Sydney for granted . Endless planning does not bust congestion .

With the Minns Labor Government relentlessly pressuring Councils to approve more housing , the NSW Government needs to step up and take responsibility to fund connector road upgrades .

Richmond Road should not be an exception .

The people of Hawkesbury deserve nothing less .