Territory Labor planning to break up Coles and Woolworths duopoly if re-elected to power

A new supermarket competitor will get a slice of free NT land and major project status in an effort to break up the Coles and Woolworths duopoly – but there’s a catch. HAVE YOUR SAY.

Labor is pushing for a new supermarket chain to come to the NT if re-elected.

The Labor government has promised free land and Major Project status for a new supermarket chain to enter the NT market and drive down grocery prices for Territorians, if re-elected.

Coles and Woolworths have dominated the Territory’s supermarket sector for decades, costing Territorians when it comes to the checkout.

Territory Labor in a statement said they are pushing for an alternative supermarket chain – such as ALDI or Costco – to come to the Territory in an effort to improve competition and force the big two supermarkets to “end unfair pricing that worsens cost of living for all Territorians”.

Labor said the Fair Go Groceries Plan would create a working group with representatives from the public service, local business people, and Solomon MP Luke Gosling to spearhead efforts.

As part of the plan, Crown land would be provided and approvals streamlined through the Major Project process.

The Coles/Woolworhs duopoly has played a part in the cost of living crisis in the NT, said Territory Labor. Picture: Alan Barber

Chief Minister and Labor Leader Eva Lawler said if elected, their fight to break the duopoly would help Territorians who felt the pinch every time they shopped at Coles and Woolworths.

“We know that Territorians are feeling the pinch every time they go to the check out at Coles and Woolies,” Ms Lawler said.

“That’s why I will fight to bring more competition to the supermarket sector in the Territory.

“I’m saying to ALDI or Costco that we will roll out the welcome mat and streamline every process if they come to the Territory and set up shop here to lower grocery prices for Territorians.”

“While Lia Finocchiaro and the CLP want to give Coles and Woolies a tax cut, I’ll do everything I can to bust up their market power and drive down prices through more competition.”

The Fair Go Groceries Working Group will be established in October to showcase the opportunities available in the Territory for a new supermarket chain to set up shop.

Opposition leader Lia Finocchiaro said the scheme was “complete desparation from the Labor government.

“This is complete desperation from Labor again making hollow promises that it knows can’t be delivered,” she said.

“Labor has failed to deliver a single major project in eight years and Territorians are not falling for Labor’s tricks on the eve on an election.”