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When Will Rudd Government Set A Start Date For Unit Pricing Scheme

Press Releases July 31 2008

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THE government has the report from the ACCC on its grocery inquiry but when will it set a start date for a national unit pricing scheme and give consumers a choice about lower grocery prices?

“It’s time for the Rudd Government to set the date for the introduction of unit pricing,” Family First Senator Steve Fielding said today.

“The Rudd Government could make an enormous difference to the cost at the checkout to Australians, slicing 21% off the average household shopping bill with the simple introduction of unit pricing.

“So what’s the government waiting for? Data released this week by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that the cost of basic items like milk has jumped 12 % and bread is up almost 7%.

“Consumers need a lifeline now, not more delays before unit pricing begins.”

Industry experts believe the introduction of unit pricing could help cut consumer spending on groceries by $810 million a year, saving shoppers hundreds of dollars.

“Food prices have been growing faster than inflation for each of the last 20 years, putting real pressure on family budgets, but unit pricing helps find the best value groceries,” Family First leader Senator Steve Fielding said today. “That’s why Family First has introduced legislation for a national unit pricing scheme.”

“Family First’s plan for a national unit pricing scheme would allow consumers to compare grocery prices on a per unit basis – such as per kilogram, per litre or per item,” Senator Fielding said.

The Senate Economics Committee hearing on Family First’s Unit Pricing (Easy Comparison of Grocery Prices) Bill 2008 will take place on Monday, August 11, 2008 in Canberra. The committee will report back by 2 September, 2008.

“Unit pricing is already used for fresh fruit and vegetables and for food sold at the deli like ham and cheese, so families are already familiar with the concept,” Senator Fielding said. “Family First’s plan would expand comparative pricing to cover packaged goods too.”