A $25.1bn plan to nationalise more than 200 Coles and Woolworths supermarkets and establish hundreds of government grocery stores has been proposed by former Greens MP Max Chandler-Mather. The plan, which would also involve taking over three distribution centres, is modelled on New York mayor Zohran Mamdani’s concept for publicly owned grocery stores.
Chandler-Mather, who heads the Greens Institute, suggests the new non-profit network, dubbed Fair Go Grocers, would aim to take approximately 20% of the market share from commercial operators. He claims these stores could save consumers up to 22% on their average shop, equating to around $60 per week for a four-person household, with heavy discounts on essential items.
The proposal includes establishing a statutory authority to set monthly prices and minimum wholesale rates for suppliers. The federal government would cover initial capital costs, including land, construction, and acquisition, with stores located in areas of high need. After an initial five-year period, Chandler-Mather states the stores would be self-funded.
A YouGov poll commissioned by the Greens Institute last month indicated 84% support for publicly owned supermarkets in Australia, with 16% opposing the idea. Support was highest among voters aged 25-34 (88%), Greens voters (96%), and women (88%).
Newly elected Greens leader David Shoebridge has welcomed the proposal, stating the Greens should focus on improving individuals' material conditions. He highlighted the popularity of a publicly owned supermarket with cheaper food, saying it would make people's lives better.