Opposition moves to expand supermarket inquiry

The inquiry should include cover more contributors to the cost of living , David Crisafulli says. (Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOS)

An inquiry into supermarket price gouging is set to be expanded under proposed changes by Queensland's opposition.

Premier Steven Miles has proposed a parliamentary inquiry into the gap between grocery prices and what farmers are being paid for their produce amid a cost of living outcry.

Major supermarkets will face the inquiry to be run by a parliamentary committee after Mr Miles met with Coles, Woolworths and Aldi.

The committee and terms of reference are yet to be announced.

The LNP on Tuesday said it would ensure the terms were expanded to include how government decisions had contributed to the rise in electricity, transport, insurance and water.

The opposition will seek to negotiate with crossbenchers to secure their support in amending the inquiry's terms of reference.

LNP leader David Crisafulli said the most critical contributors towards cost of living should be included in the inquiry.

"Queenslanders expect their government to do everything in its power to drive down costs, not be the reason cost of living is skyrocketing," he said.

Mr Miles has conceded that regulating supermarket powers rests with the federal government.

However, the state government is still keen to examine concerns raised by Queenslanders and producers amid cost of living constraints.

He said the terms of reference for the inquiry would be released soon.

"I accept that most of the powers to regulate the supermarket's rests with the Australian government," he told reporters on Tuesday.

"But that doesn't mean our parliament shouldn't have a close look at what are two big and powerful institutions that have a massive impact on the lives of Queenslanders and on the lives of our farmers."

Mr Miles said the terms of reference would outline an inquiry that would scrutinise supermarkets in good faith. 

"As well as hear from our farmers and our peak farming organisations about just what they're experiencing," he said.

Greens MP Michael Berkman called the Labor government and LNP's inquiry demands a "talkfest".

"Labor and the LNP are the Coles and Woolies of politics - they both offer voters the same bad deals," he said.

"The Greens have no issue with an expanded inquiry but it’s pretty obvious a talkfest won’t solve anything unless the major parties are willing to actually crack down on corporate profiteering."

The premier said it would be beneficial for experts including Australian Competition and Consumer Commission former chair Rod Sims to appear at the inquiry.

Supermarket chains have come under scrutiny after recording large profits while consumers struggle with cost of living pressures.

The proposed inquiry comes after Queensland emerged as "ground zero" of Australia's cost of living crisis, with a study revealing Brisbane led the nation in rent, energy, insurance and health price hikes.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store