Government-controlled supermarkets accused of ripping off remote shoppers

How would you feel about paying $28 for a jar of instant coffee, $9 for a box of instant oats, or $16 for laundry detergent?

The “inflated” prices were recorded last month at remote stores in Queensland, many of which are run by a group controlled by the State Government.

Lockhart River Mayor Wayne Butcher said shoppers in remote Indigenous communities were being ripped off.

“I’m angry because it’s very expensive and it just makes life so much harder,” he said.

“It’s not like you have choices either; you can’t just go to Coles or Woolworths.

“It’s an extra burden on each household and it’s not something we need.”

And it is not just food that costs more.

Unleaded petrol in Lockhart River was selling for $1.93 per litre and $1.89 for diesel — also at a store controlled by the Government.

“I feel it in my pocket every day,” Mr Butcher said.

“I can’t justify the cost at the moment.”

The total price of the products in the remote community was nearly double the cost of those in Brisbane.