Big supermarkets under scrutiny in Queensland inquiry
The big supermarkets will be back under scrutiny with Queensland probing allegations of price gouging in the sunshine state. Representatives from Coles and Woollies are set to answer questions at the inquiry.
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TVTranscript
00:00 Well look, this inquiry was established by Queensland's Premier Stephen Miles in response
00:06 to price gouging allegations by the major supermarkets.
00:09 The inquiry has already toured some parts of regional Queensland including Cairns and
00:13 Bundaberg and we've heard some pretty heartbreaking stories from farmers who've raised concerns
00:18 about their treatment by the major supermarkets.
00:22 Now this inquiry, these hearings over the next two days in Brisbane are a chance to
00:25 hear from the supermarkets directly themselves.
00:29 They've been accused of using bully boy tactics.
00:31 It's important to note though that the CEOs of Coles and Woolworths will not be stepping
00:36 up.
00:37 Instead they've sent along PR executives and senior staff to answer questions on their
00:41 behalf.
00:42 Now around 40 submissions have been made to the inquiry so far which is examining supermarket
00:47 prices and transparency issues so I imagine those executives will be answering some pretty
00:53 tough questions.
00:54 It's also important to note that this inquiry is different to the federal one which is currently
00:59 going on and any findings or recommendations from the Queensland inquiry can't be enforced
01:04 by the state government.
01:05 Instead it's up to the federal government to enforce any regulations on those large
01:09 supermarkets.
01:10 But look this is more about shining a light on the issue especially during a cost of living
01:15 crisis.
01:16 There's also politics here at play as there often is.
01:19 It's an election year here in Queensland and it's an opportunity for the Premier Stephen
01:23 Miles to make it look like he's being tough on these supermarkets.
01:27 The inquiry is due to hand down a final report by the end of the month.
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