Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has indicated that the state would welcome more competition in the supermarket sector, but only “if there was a market for that”.
The current duopoly of Coles and Woolworths means Tasmanians are missing out on potential grocery savings of up to 30%, Jacqui Lambie Network MP Andrew Jenner says.
“This is huge and could be the difference between having three or one meal a day,” he said in parliament on Tuesday.
“Will your Government take the initiative and help introduce supermarket competition into the state to help alleviate the cost-of-living pressure that so many Tasmanians are currently facing?”
The Premier responded by saying that he understands the cost-of-living challenges facing Tasmanians and that the government set aside $550 million for concessions and cost-of-living measures in the latest state budget.
“In terms of supermarket competition, we would welcome further competition if there was a market for that,” Rockliff said.
“We have the duopoly, as it’s called and we have other IGAs across Tasmania.”
“If there is a third player to come in that boosts that competition, then we would welcome that initiative.”
Jenner previously called for $1 million in the recent state budget for a feasibility study into bringing a third major player to the state.
