A Senate inquiry is investigating Coles and Woolworths' pricing fairness. Bob Katter's stunts aim to pressure major parties to regulate supermarkets. Crossbenchers are advocating for lower supermarket prices and exploring the shift to four-year federal terms in politics. The rise of independent voices may lead to a hung parliament in Australia.
Bob Katter's political stunts challenge major parties on supermarket pricing.
Crossbenchers like Bob Katter push for reforms to address supermarket dominance and price manipulation.
Deep dives
Bob Catter's Political Journey and Contradictions
Bob Catter, known for his colorful personality in politics, has had a long and controversial career marked by contradictions. From being the Aboriginal Affairs Minister in Queensland to bringing up homophobic views during the marriage equality campaign, Catter's political stunts and views often skew to the right. Despite his controversial nature, he has been vital in advocating for key reforms, presenting a unique and original presence within Australian politics.
Bob Catter and the Supermarket Pricing Inquiry
Bob Catter recently made headlines by aligning with crossbenchers to address issues surrounding supermarket pricing. The Senate inquiry into supermarket pricing revealed concerns from independent farmers about the dominance of major supermarkets affecting their livelihoods. Catter and other crossbenchers are introducing a bill to reduce the influence of major retailers and prevent price manipulation, putting pressure on major parties to address competition laws.
Impact of Crossbenchers on Major Parties and Future Election Dynamics
The involvement of crossbenchers like Bob Catter in challenging major supermarkets and influencing policy agendas reflects a shift in Australian politics. With a growing trend of voters supporting independent and minor parties, there is a potential for a hung parliament with a minority Labour government. This scenario encourages genuine policy debates and broader representation, signaling a potential positive change towards a more inclusive and democratic political landscape.
Coles and Woolworths are in the sights of a Senate inquiry, which has been hearing evidence across Australia this week.
It’s looking into whether prices are set fairly and what could be done to make them more reasonable.
While that was underway, one of parliament's most colourful characters stole the show. Bob Katter has been ratcheting up a campaign of high-profile stunts to force the major parties to crackdown on supermarkets.
Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno, on Bob Katter’s contradictions and how the crossbench could force the major parties to get tougher on the big two supermarkets.