Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has slammed Coles and Woolworths following allegations from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) that the supermarket giants were price gouging. In true fashion for an Aussie politician, the PM has brought out the big guns and called the alleged behaviour “unAustralian”. Oooh, kill ’em Albo.
The companies that allegedly made billions of dollars in profit from “illusory” business practices will be shaking in their boots now, because Anthony Albanese has used his serious upset voice against them.
Speaking to the press in front of Parliament today, the PM warned that if the allegations were found to be true, then Coles and Woolies’ behaviour was “completely unacceptable”.
“This is not the Australian spirit. Customers don’t deserve to be treated as fools by the supermarkets,” the PM said.
“They deserve much, much better than that. My government takes today’s announcement by the ACCC very seriously.”
This morning news broke that the ACCC would be taking Woolworths and Coles to court with allegations that the grocery duopoly misled customers and breached consumer law.
Following major investigations, the watchdog alleged that the prices of hundreds of products in both stores had been inflated, only to be later brought back to their original prices — but labeled as discounted.
The Prime Minister announced that as well as taking the ACCC’s investigations seriously, he applauded the watchdog for its service to the Australian public.
“Specials need to be real, because household budgets are tight. And I welcome the ACCC standing with supermarket shoppers,” Albanese stated.
“Shoppers are on the hunt for discounts when they do their weekly grocery shop, because every dollar matters when people get to the checkout. Advertised discounts need to be genuine – each and every time.”
@pedestriantv Go get ‘em !!! #coles #woolworths #supermarket #aldi #accc ♬ original sound – PEDESTRIAN.TV
In the same press conference, Albanese also added that the supermarkets’ allegedly dubious practices could have contributed to the massive inflation crisis that is hurting Aussies so badly.
“When you’re charging more for products than you should, it, of course, has an inflationary impact by definition,” Albanese said.
Unfortunately, Albo’s ‘I’m not angry, just disappointed‘ energy ended there, with him declining to make further comments.
“As it’s before the courts, it would be inappropriate to comment further, but we will examine as the courts are able to deliberate,’’ he said.
Anthony Albanese had also supported the ACCC beginning the national inquiry when it was announced back in February, and said his government would assist where possible in order to help Aussie shoppers.
Following the announcement, Woolworths said it would carefully review the allegations made by the ACCC. Meanwhile, Coles has said it will be defending itself against the allegations.
Lead Image: Getty/Nine
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