Local MP’s have followed federal opposition leader Peter Dutton’s call for people to boycott supermarket giant Woolworths over its decision not to sell Australia Day merchandise.
Both Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan, and State Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson, have followed Mr Dutton’s lead, calling for people to boycott the supermarket, a stance the Labor Party has said is divisive.
Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan, and State Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson have join Peter Dutton’s calls for Woolworths supermarkets boycott.
File photos
“Other companies haven’t done it (stopped selling Australia Day merchandise) and on that basis, I think Australians should boycott Woolworths,” Mr Dutton said.
“For Woolworths to start taking political positions to oppose Australia Day is against the national interest, the national spirit.”
Woolworths said its supermarkets and Big W stores stopped stocking Australia Day merchandise due to low customer interest, and German supermarket chain Aldi have also stated they won’t be selling Australia Day products.
Last January, K-Mart announced they wouldn’t be selling any Australia Day merchandise “we aim to foster an environment that is inclusive and respectful for both our customers and teams,” a spokesperson said, but Coles Supermarkets have announced they will be stocking Australia Day merchandise.
The news comes after the Senate resolved in December that the Select Committee on Supermarket Prices be established to inquire into and report on the price setting practices and market power of major supermarkets.
Federal member for Page, Kevin Hogan echoed Mr Dutton’s sentiments.
“I AM BOYCOTTING WOOLWORTHS,” Mr Hogan wrote on social media.
“Woolworths confirmed that no Australia Day merchandise would be sold in its supermarkets this year.
“If Woolies isn’t into Australia Day, I am not into them.
“They should be trying to lower their prices not making political statements.
“We have some great independent grocers and other options in our community.
“That’s where I will be shopping.”
A spokesperson for Woolworths said the decision was because “26 January and what it means to different parts of the community.”
Member for Clarence Richie Williamson joined his federal Nationals colleague, calling on locals to boycott the supermarket.
“I can’t believe Woolworths,” Mr Williamson wrote on social media.
“I was shocked the company said it was not stocking Australia Day merchandise this year; a day we celebrate all things great in our Nation, reflect on the past and look forward to a bright future.
“We are all a part of our story.
“If Woolworths can’t support Australia Day, I can’t support them.”
When he phoned Woolworths to express his disbelief, Mr Williamson said he was given the ‘company line’ that “Australia Day means different things to different people”.
“Easter means different things to different people too, but the hot cross buns were on the shelf on Boxing Day, no questions asked,” Mr Williamson said.
“Woolworths if only you focussed on delivering lower prices at the checkout that would be something we could all support.”
The opposition leader was slammed for his stance by Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt, who said Mr Dutton was more focused on “thongs and flags” than supermarket prices.
“I think it shows that he is really out of touch with what Australians really care about when it comes to supermarkets and that’s the prices they are paying at the checkout,” he said.
This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 17 January 2024.
