Rolling in cash – Katter and Wilkie don CashPig Costumes to get stuck in to Grocery Giants
Nick |
Wednesday last week saw two barnyard animals enter parliament house, but this was no petting zoo. Rather, independent MPs Bob Katter and Andrew Wilkie donning inflatable pig costumes while troughing through boxes of cash. The pair making a statement on the push to see Coles and Woolworths 65% market share on Australian groceries come to an end.
Katter and Wilkie’s protest sheds light on a broader concern that has been brewing in Australian politics — the need for increased competition and a more level playing field in the grocery industry. The duopoly of Coles and Woolworths has long been a topic of concern, with critics arguing that it hampers market diversity, stifles innovation, and adversely affects both consumers and farmers.
The MP’s stated they were planning on introducing legislation to reduce the dominance of Coles and Woolworths while also hoping to establish a food commissioner to prevent further price gouging. Their theatrical approach aimed to capture the public’s attention and spark a dialogue about the need for change.
While some may view the inflatable pig costumes as a humorous or unconventional means of protest, Katter and Wilkie’s underlying message is clear: the Australian grocery market requires change to ensure fair competition and a more equitable distribution of resources. As the inflatable pigs made their way through Parliament House, the duo aimed to amplify their call for legislative action to break the duopoly and promote a healthier, more diverse grocery industry for the benefit of consumers and farmers. The impact of their peculiar protest remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly adds a colourful chapter to the ongoing narrative of Australian political advocacy.
