Charles Burke has been appointed as the interim Queensland Food Farmers' Commissioner, tasked with monitoring and reporting on supermarket practices that negatively affect farmers and consumers. This role, established for a duration of 12 months, will focus on mediating disputes and working closely with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
The creation of the commissioner role follows a series of hearings by the Supermarket Select Committee in locations such as Bundaberg, Cairns, and Brisbane, which examined allegations of unfair practices by major supermarkets. Burke, the former CEO of Agforce, emphasized the importance of addressing these longstanding issues promptly and providing a platform for confidential dispute resolution.
Despite the commissioner's lack of authority to directly take action against supermarkets, the position is designed to facilitate communication between farmers, the ACCC, and other relevant institutions. Queensland's Minister for Agricultural Industry Development, Mark Furner, highlighted the role's potential to offer anonymity to farmers wishing to lodge complaints, thereby encouraging more open discussions about supermarket practices.
The ACCC has recently initiated legal proceedings against Coles and Woolworths, accusing them of misleading discount pricing claims. This move underscores the broader context of scrutiny surrounding supermarket pricing strategies and their impact on both consumers and farmers.
Looking ahead, stakeholders in the agriculture sector, such as Dale Hollis from the Bundaberg Ag-Food and Fibre Alliance, express hope that the commissioner's role can evolve to also assist farmers in negotiations with energy and water providers, reflecting the diverse agricultural landscape in Queensland.
Source: ABC Net