Panic buying clears shelves, puts welfare of pastoralists at risk

Pastoral stations in the Northern Territory risk being left unable to access necessities as panic buying clears shelves at local supermarkets, NT Cattlemen’s Association CEO Ashley Manicaros has said.

A sign for toilet paper prices is seen at a Redfern Convenience Store in Sydney, Tuesday, March 24, 2020. The store is combating coronavirus toilet paper hoarders by slugging them $99 for two packs. Picture: AAP Image/Callum Godde)

Pastoral stations in the Northern Territory risk being left unable to access necessities as panic buying clears shelves at local supermarkets, NT Cattlemen’s Association CEO Ashley Manicaros has said.

Speaking to skynews.com.au, Mr Manicaros said “major issues were brewing in the Northern Territory,” and that he agreed with Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s assessment of panic buying “as un-Australian and unnecessary.”

“Major supermarkets identified to our members that they won’t be processing bush orders or click-and-collect orders – which have historically been the process by which cattle stations purchase their stores – due to a lack of stock,” Mr Manicaros explained.

“These supermarkets have also invoked store limit policies, so they aren’t allowing the bulk buying of products.

Northern Territory Cattleman’s Association CEO Ashley Manicaros. Picture: KERI MEGELUS

“To a cattle station that has a minimum of 11 staff, of which the majority do, that’s a substantial problem.”

Responsible for the welfare of over a dozen people on Elkedra Station – located some 400 kilometres northeast of Alice Springs – Amber Driver was left somewhat incredulous last week after conducting her routine monthly shop at Woolworths in Alice Springs.

“The cashier wasn’t really aware of our language in using ‘station’ and couldn’t really comprehend what that meant – that we couldn’t come back tomorrow to get another two items of what the station needed,” Mrs Driver said.

“A lot of the things on our list we couldn’t find because the shelves were bare.”

After discussing the situation with two Cashiers and a Supervisor – and presenting a copy of her driver’s license to prove her place of residence – Mrs Driver and her mother-in-law were able to purchase two items each of what little stock was available.

“There certainly is a huge gap, even in Central Australia, of what people understand outside of the town limits,” Mrs Driver said.

“I really hope Woolies can get this right and move forward for positive outcomes for all of their customers.”

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And with the consequences of unnecessary panic buying reaching “beyond fruit and vegetables,” Mr Manicaros said the welfare of young families with children on cattle stations was of particular concern.

“The real issue will come for some of these young families who can’t get access to baby formula, baby products, baby food, nappies, baby wipes, you name it,” he told the Centralian Advocate.