Independent Senator Tammy Tyrrell, representing Launceston, is determined to challenge supermarket dynamics in Tasmania by calling on German retail giant Aldi to establish a presence on the island.
Despite critics dismissing her efforts as mere electioneering or a futile endeavour, Senator Tyrrell has launched a petition, arguing that urgent action is needed to address the dominance of the two major players in Tasmania’s grocery market—Coles and Woolworths.
“Coles is monopolising the Tasmanian market and shining a spotlight on the lack of supermarket competition here,” Senator Tyrrell stated in a recent press release. “Tasmania has the highest concentration of Coles stores in the country, with an average distance of just 2.5 kilometres between their outlets.
“They’re essentially building stores right next to each other, competing within their own brand. This tactic ensures they occupy prime retail spaces, effectively shutting out potential rivals. This is exactly how big supermarket chains maintain their grip on the market and keep prices unnecessarily high.”
According to Senator Tyrrell, industry experts consistently note that Aldi’s arrival in a community drives down prices at other supermarkets, including Coles and Woolworths. With the cost of living soaring, she believes Tasmanians need this kind of price relief now more than ever.
“Families are finding it increasingly difficult to afford even basic groceries,” she said. “Bringing Aldi to Tasmania would provide much-needed competition and help make groceries more affordable for everyone.”
The petition, once it garners enough support, will form the basis of Senator Tyrrell’s direct appeal to Aldi. “When we’ve gathered sufficient signatures, I’ll be reaching out to Aldi for answers. It’s time to ask why Tasmanians are being excluded from the benefits that shoppers in every other state enjoy.”
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