The Government has decided not to proceed with Grocery Choice.
Following a meeting today with the major grocery retailers, it has become clear to me that it is not feasible to implement the originally envisaged Grocery Choice proposal.
The Government remains of the view that consumers are better placed to make informed choices when they are able to gain access to prices conveniently and make comparisons among supermarkets.
However, the Grocery Choice proposal as originally envisaged would not be able to generate reliable, timely data as a basis for consumers to make meaningful comparisons in their local neighbourhoods.
In Australia there are thousands of supermarkets and thousands of grocery items.
Upon close examination of the data requirements for reliable price information, I have formed the view that it is not feasible to generate that information in a timely manner.
Less comprehensive and less timely data could be generated but it would have significantly less value to consumers.
I will hold discussions with supermarket chains about the possibility of an industry website capable of providing convenient grocery price data that could be audited by a government-appointed auditor.