Hands off our ham

Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt has sent a stern warning to the nation’s supermarkets to not profit off hardworking Aussies in the leadup to Christmas.

After his October campaign to reduce the price of lamb saw Coles and Woolies cut their meat prices by up to 36%, the Minister is again putting the big retailers on notice ahead of the festive season.

Minister Watt said supermarkets should put a freeze on the price of leg ham, to give families certainty ahead of the big day.

“The traditional ham is a staple of any Christmas lunch in Australia,” he said.

“And we know families are doing it tough at the moment and the cost of a lot of things is going up.

“It’s time for supermarkets to do their part and say one thing we won’t put up is the price of a Christmas ham.

“Guaranteeing a price freeze on ham would allow families to budget in the weeks leading up to the holiday.

“Farmers also need certainty that they’ll get a fair price from supermarkets.”

Minister Watt said Christmas could be a tough time for those struggling with cost-of-living pressures.

“Presents for the kids, fuel to get to the other side of town to see your parents, fresh seafood as well as drinks, the cost of Christmas can really add up,” he said.

“Anything that can be done to give families a hand during this time would really be beneficial.

“And those with the most to give should be the first to help.”

Minister Watt said supermarkets had been recording increased growth in revenue and profits while households were feeling the pinch.

For the average Aussie, it doesn’t make sense that the price on the bottom of their docket is going up while these companies are recording massive profits,” he said.

“The government is doing our bit to help with cost-of-living pressures, now it’s time for the business community to also do their part.”